Aeneas and Achates Entering Dido's Palace in a Cloud 1624 - 1663

This pen and brown wash drawing by Francesco Allegrini depicts Aeneas and Achates entering Dido’s palace in a cloud, a scene from Virgil's Aeneid. The work, dated 1624 - 1663, shows Aeneas and Achates being escorted by numerous attendants into the presence of the Queen of Carthage. The drawing was likely a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. The hazy, atmospheric effect is achieved through the use of washes, capturing the mystical element of the scene as the Trojan hero’s arrival was seen as a divine intervention. This intimate yet energetic drawing is typical of the work of this Italian Baroque artist, who is known for his dynamic compositions.