Patrocle, 2004

Anne Deval  

This sculpture belongs to the period of the 2000s when Anne Deval began to develop the theme of warriors and gods. Often presented in the form of a bust, these sculptures, adorned with meticulously crafted helmets, represent mythological heroes like Patroclus. In Greek mythology, Patroclus is one of the Greek warriors of the Trojan War, mainly described in the Iliad. When the Trojan War broke out, he followed his friend Achilles, at the head of a contingent of Myrmidons, and carried out valiant exploits under the walls of Troy. He followed Achilles to his tent, when the latter quarreled with Agamemnon. He refused, like him, to continue the struggle. However, as the fate of arms no longer favored the Greeks, Patroclus consented to resume the fight, and Achilles even lent him his arms and his armor on condition that he did not venture beyond the camp. He succeeded in repelling the Trojans but he forgot the promise he had made to Achilles; he went under the very ramparts of Troy where he was wounded by Euphorbia, then killed by Hector. The latter recovered the weapons but Menelaus succeeded in snatching the body from the Trojans made furious by this death, Achilles was seized with such a desire for vengeance that he left his reserve, took up arms and killed Hector. He honored the memory of his friend with solemn funeral games.