Achilles en de dochters van Lycomedes 1636 - 1679

This etching by Frans van den Wijngaerde, titled "Achilles en de dochters van Lycomedes" (Achilles and the Daughters of Lycomedes), depicts a scene from Greek mythology. The work, created between 1636 and 1679, showcases the moment when Odysseus, disguised as a merchant, presents Lycomedes' daughters with jewelry and weapons to determine the identity of Achilles, who was disguised as a woman to avoid being drafted into the Trojan War. The artist, who was active in the Dutch Golden Age, utilizes detailed lines and shading to highlight the dramatic interactions between the figures and the architectural setting. The scene, set within a grand classical-inspired portico, captures the moment of discovery, emphasizing Achilles’ masculine features and the startled expressions of the women. This artwork, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the enduring power of classical mythology and its influence on art throughout history.