This relief, titled “Plead”, depicts one of the most moving episodes of the Trojan War: when King Priam of Troy entered the Greek camp, guided by Hermes, to beg Achilles for the return of his son Hector’s body. Touched by the king’s courage and grief, Achilles relented, allowing Hector to be brought back to Troy for honorable burial.
Historical Background
The story comes from Homer’s Iliad, where themes of loss, mercy, and humanity rise above the brutality of war. Artists of the classical and neoclassical periods celebrated this episode as a timeless symbol of compassion and reconciliation, even between enemies.
The original neoclassical relief is preserved in the Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen. The museum was established to honor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844), Denmark’s most famous sculptor and one of Europe’s leading neoclassical artists. Alongside his own masterpieces, the museum preserves his collection of antiquities and classical-inspired works.
This modern reproduction draws inspiration from that tradition, echoing the elegance of neoclassical relief sculpture while retelling a legendary moment of Greek mythology.
Product Details
Material: Internal stone core with cold pottery surface, colored at high temperature to imitate copper (not clay)
Dimensions: 13 cm (H) × 27.5 cm (L) × 1.8 cm (W)
Design: Relief of King Priam pleading with Achilles for Hector’s body, inspired by the neoclassical relief in the Thorvaldsen Museum
Care & Handling: The surface is delicate and can scratch easily. Do not use water or cleaning products. Wipe gently with a dry cloth only.
