An Epic World Unfolding on a Small Canvas

Two warriors on horseback dash gallantly through infantrymen fighting with clubs, facing off against each other. These two, about to clash at this very moment, are the heroes Achilles and Hector from the Iliad, one of the two great epics and the oldest classic of European literature.

Approaching from the left is the fierce Greek general Achilles, and on the right is the Trojan commander-in-chief Hector. While Achilles harbors a fierce determination for revenge in his heart, intent on slaying Hector—the killer of his close ally Patroclus—at any cost, Hector, as the protector of Troy, carries the fate of his people and family on his shoulders. In the story of the Iliad, it is sung how Hector is torn between sacrificing himself to fight to the end to uphold his pride as a warrior against the strongest hero, or offering a reconciliation to protect his country.

In this picture, while Hector raises his face to stare down his opponent, Achilles' face is hidden by his horse's neck, making it impossible to see his expression. However, looking at the horses they ride, while Achilles' horse glares forward and charges powerfully, the expression of Hector's horse is one of terror, turning its face away from the enemy and raising its front legs as if about to flee. The fate of Hector's defeat and death, and the resulting fall of Troy and the destruction of King Priam's family, is expressed in the contrasting states of the two horses.

In fact, the size of this work is only 2.8 cm high by 8.4 cm wide. In Germany during the first half of the 16th century, artists appeared who produced small, meticulous prints ranging from the size of a postcard to that of a postage stamp, and they gained immense popularity. Hans Sebald Beham, a printmaker from Nuremberg and the creator of this work, is one of those representative artists. On a tiny piece of paper, the scene of the duel between the two heroes—the climax of the story—is meticulously depicted using the engraving technique.

This work is on display at the Keio Museum Commons New Year Exhibition 2026, "The Clearing Where Horses Leap" (January 8 [Thu] – February 7 [Sat]). We would be delighted if you could extend your New Year's stroll to take a peek at the grand story unfolding on this small canvas.

(Miyuki Omae, Curator, Keio Museum Commons)