Patroclus being carried to his funeral pyre as Achilles places a lock of hair on the body 1761 - 1771

This etching of Patroclus being carried to his funeral pyre was created by Johann Tobias Sergel in Sweden. With its roots in antiquity, the subject matter of the print reflects the neoclassical style of the period. The composition, with its dramatic lighting and emphasis on human emotion, also suggests the influence of the Romantic movement. Consider how the print may have circulated in the late 18th century. Was it intended for a broad audience, or for a more exclusive group of collectors? What role did prints play in shaping public perceptions of history and mythology? The print also prompts us to consider the complex relationship between art and institutions. Was Sergel working independently, or was he associated with a particular academy or artistic circle? How did the institutions of art in Sweden shape the production and reception of his work? By examining the social and institutional context in which this print was made, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.