Although unfinished, this drawing has the special, almost painterly qualities characteristic of a group of Thorvaldsen’s pencil and chalk drawings from the early 1800s. Madonna and Caritas motifs dominate this group, but in addition there are drawings representing Achilles and the centaur Chiron, Cupid, Psyche, Bacchus, Hylas etc. The special charm and devotion expressed by these drawings are also a particular feature of the particular moment in the hero Hector’s life when – for ever, as it turns out – he must take leave of his wife and son.
