Ancient Scene, 19th-century French Or Italian School

Pencil, view size 13.8 x 30 cm

A figure in the center of the drawing, wearing a long tunic (a toga?) and perhaps a veil, appears to be invoking the gods, arms raised, face turned toward the sky. The arch of his body and his head thrown back convey the intensity of his invocation. To the left of the drawing, a group of people—adults, perhaps a few children, dressed in long cloaks—appear frightened and seem to be comforting one another. One of them looks at the central figure in terror; another kneels to pray, hands clasped; still others embrace one another. On the right, a more indistinct scene takes shape: perhaps an altar or other figures. In the background, the crowd forms a vague mass, from which the silhouette of a helmeted and armed horseman stands out. In the distance, the ridges of steep mountains are visible, and on the left, tall structures—perhaps fortifications. A dark cloud obscures part of the sky.

This drawing is likely a reproduction of a painting or fresco. Does it depict a scene of terror and supplication to the gods—perhaps as a nearby volcano erupts or enemies approach, for example?