Thetis Immersing her Infant Son Achilles in the River Styx to Make him Invulnerable 1794 - 1798

"Thetis Immersing her Infant Son Achilles in the River Styx to Make him Invulnerable" is a painting by Nicolai Abildgaard, created between 1794 and 1798. The work depicts the Greek myth of Achilles, where his mother, Thetis, dips him in the River Styx to make him invulnerable, holding him by the heel, which is the only part of his body not immersed in the water. This painting, currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst, is a prime example of Neoclassical art. Abildgaard's use of soft colors and bas-relief style gives the impression of a sculpted scene, highlighting the mythological theme with classical elegance. The figures are portrayed in a classic pose, creating a sense of timeless drama. The scene is filled with symbolism, where the River Styx represents death and the heel represents Achilles' eventual vulnerability, ultimately leading to his demise.