The sculpture of Ajax and Cassandra by Jago, Jago Museum in Naples

Jago “Ajax and Cassandra”

Sculpture – Carrara marble (303 x 135 x 70 cm) 2022

Ajax and Cassandra Ajax was the son of Oileus, king of the Locrians; he equipped some forty ships and fought valiantly, though cruelly, against the Trojans.

During the capture of Troy, Ajax spotted Cassandra, the beautiful and virgin priestess of Athena, as she was fleeing, and set off in pursuit to capture her.

Realising the danger, Cassandra ran towards the temple of Athena to seek refuge and protection there, in accordance with sacred law.

But she had not reckoned with the impiety of this cruel warrior, who did not hesitate to pursue her right into the temple.

Cassandra had taken refuge near the goddess’s altar and wrapped her arms around the statue of Athena, imploring her to protect her.

Ajax and Cassandra But Ajax dared to defy Athena’s impending wrath by committing a sacrilege: he seized Cassandra to snatch her away by force, going so far as to shatter the goddess’s statue and carry the young woman off with him.

Jago has magnificently depicted this tragic abduction of Cassandra by Ajax, who is already attempting to rape her.

The young woman, whose feet no longer even touch the ground, struggles with all her might whilst being carried solely by Ajax’s left arm, which wraps round her whilst simultaneously grasping her breast.

With her right hand, her arm outstretched, she forcefully pushes back her captor’s head and manages to hold his head back whilst causing him enough pain to elicit the grimace of pain visible on Ajax’s face.

Ajax and Cassandra This pebble symbolises women’s defensive response to the violence inflicted upon them from ancient times to the present day, particularly during wars when savagery runs rampant.

In her left hand, Cassandra holds a stone with which she intends to strike Ajax, but he firmly grasps her wrist to stop her.

Poor Cassandra shakes her head in refusal whilst screaming in fear and rage, her hair plastered to her face, determined to defend herself with all her might against her attacker.

However, seeing the disparity between their two bodies, in both size and strength, the outcome of the fight is, sadly, obvious and the young woman will not be able to hold out for long.

Ajax and Cassandra Jago’s sculpture depicts Ajax’s muscular thighs and buttocks, as well as all the protruding muscles of his back, strained by the effort he is exerting.

The power of Ajax’s arms is equally impressive and adds to the visual intensity of the scene by contrasting with Cassandra’s fragile and graceful female form.

This extreme violence contributes to the beauty of this sculpture, in which we see these two bodies in full motion, struggling, with remarkable dynamism.

Jago’s Ajax and Cassandra is a true masterpiece comparable to the beautiful sculptures of Michelangelo, whose artistic legacy he richly deserves.

Ajax and Cassandra