In de gedaante van Ascanius brengt Cupido Dido geschenken 1600 - 1604

Editor: This drawing, “In the guise of Ascanius, Cupid brings gifts to Dido,” was created between 1600 and 1604. It’s ink on paper, and attributed to Mattheus Terwesten. The scene feels intimate, despite all the figures present. What stands out to you most when you look at this piece? Curator: It’s fascinating how Terwesten uses classical imagery to explore themes of deception and desire. Look at Cupid, disguised as Ascanius – Aeneas’ son. Consider the implications of this substitution: a god masquerading as a child, bearing gifts. What do gifts signify in a narrative like this, especially given Cupid's involvement? Editor: Almost like a Trojan horse situation… Gifts that look promising on the outside. I’m also struck by the way Dido gazes at him – there’s an element of trust, maybe even vulnerability, which feels unsettling given Cupid's true nature. Curator: Precisely. It's not just about the physical gifts, but about the deceptive guise itself. Terwesten cleverly layers visual cues – Cupid’s cherubic appearance against the knowing expressions of the other figures – to suggest an impending emotional upheaval. Consider how Dido is staged between her counselors who are partially shrouded by shadow; their gaze hints at doubt or concern, almost as though their position highlights a potential fall from grace for Dido. Do you agree? Editor: Definitely. It makes me wonder about the cultural memory associated with these figures. Dido’s story, the consequences of her love for Aeneas – it all adds a layer of tragic inevitability to the drawing. Curator: Exactly. The image carries an immense weight of cultural history. Each figure represents not just an individual, but an entire narrative tradition, with all the associated emotional and psychological baggage. Editor: It's amazing how much can be communicated through these symbols. I never thought about it so much before. Curator: It's an image that holds the emotional weight and understanding of generations.