Dido offerend aan de goden 1600 - 1604

"Dido offerend aan de goden" (Dido Offering to the Gods) is a pen and ink drawing by Dutch artist Mattheus Terwesten, dated 1600-1604, and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. This work depicts Dido, the legendary Queen of Carthage, offering sacrifices to the gods. The scene unfolds in a grand architectural setting with the figures positioned in a dramatic tableau. Terwesten’s drawing exemplifies the refined and expressive style of Dutch Baroque art. This artwork is a study for a larger composition, showcasing Terwesten's masterful use of line and shading to evoke emotion and depth.