The Trojans hauling the wooden horse into Troy

Art Historical Context

This engraving captures a pivotal moment from the Trojan War, as Trojan soldiers strain to pull the massive wooden horse—secretly filled with Greek warriors—through the gates of their city. The scene, drawn from ancient myths recounted by Virgil and others, foreshadows the fall of Troy and highlights themes of deception and fate that have captivated audiences for centuries. Created in 1545 by engraver Giulio Bonasone after a design by Francesco Primaticcio, the print was later published in its third state by Carlo Losi in 1773. As a large-scale engraving measuring roughly 16 by 25 inches, the work demonstrates the Renaissance technique of translating grand narrative compositions into detailed prints that could reach wide audiences beyond elite collectors. Primaticcio’s Mannerist style, with its elegant figures and dramatic movement, is evident in the dynamic poses of the men and soldiers, while Bonasone’s precise linework brings texture to the wooden structure and armor. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this sheet from the Elisha Whittelsey Collection underscores the enduring cultural power of classical stories in European art, allowing viewers today to connect with a legendary tale through centuries-old reproductive technology.

About the Artist

Giulio Bonasone|Francesco Primaticcio|Carlo Losi · 1500–1600

Comment on works: History; Mythology