Aiacis und Ulyssis gezänck

Title

Aiacis und Ulyssis gezänck

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Troy

Asia Minor

Ancient Greece

Description

This engraving illustrates the Greek leaders of the Trojan war listening to a debate between Ajax and Ulysses. There is a contest between these two men to see who should be awarded the armor and weapons of the great Achilles. Achilles’ sword, a spear going through the chest plate, and his helmet are on the ground. Ajax and Ulysses are illustrated speaking to each other as they debate who is more worthy of receiving Achilles’ weapons. Ajax believes he should be the one to inherit Achilles’ things as he is related to him. Ulysses believes he should be the one to receive Achilles’ things as he is the one who got Achilles to participate in the Trojan war in the first place. The Greek leaders are depicted on the right side of the engraving engaging in whispered conversations as they decide who should be the recipient of the armor. It goes to Ulysses.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:23227

Language

ger

Source Name

P. Ouidij Nasonis, deß Sinnreichen und hochverstendigen Poeten, Metamorphoses oder Verwandlung, mit schönen figuren gezieret, auch kurzen Argumenten und außlegungen erkläret, und in Teutsche Reymen gebracht, durch Johann Spreng von Augspurg [Publius Ovidius Naso, the Ingenious and Highly Understandable Poet, Metamorphoses or Transformations, Adorned with Beautiful Images, and also descriptions of Short Arguments and Explanations, Brought into German Rhymes by Johann Spreng of Augsburg]

Parent Collection

1564 Frankfurt Spreng

Image

mta_23227_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Ulysses

Ajax

Achilles

Greeks

Trojans

Trojan War

Roman Mythology

Greek Mythology