The Royal Hunt of Dido and Aeneas 

Francesco Solimena painted The Royal Hunt of Dido and Aeneas in the 17th century, capturing a pivotal moment laden with symbolic weight. Above the royal couple, we see Juno, queen of the gods, with her peacock. This bird is traditionally a symbol of pride and vigilance. The hunt motif, inherited from antiquity, evolves from mere sport to a stage for dramatic human encounters. Consider the gesture of Dido, pointing away as she looks towards Aeneas: it is a visual echo of figures found in classical friezes, adapted here to denote destiny. But destiny takes a cruel turn, as Juno’s vigilance in this context suggests the tragic unfolding of Dido’s fate, abandoned by Aeneas as he sails to fulfil his Roman destiny. Observe how Solimena infuses the scene with an emotional power. The faces and gestures are not mere illustrations but invitations to consider the depths of love, ambition, and the inexorable pull of historical forces. The image resonates through time, inviting us to ponder our own psychological landscapes of desire and duty.