The Dream of Aeneas c. 1663 - 1664

Curator: Here we have Salvator Rosa's "The Dream of Aeneas," an etching showing a scene from Virgil's Aeneid. It's part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Gosh, that Aeneas looks beat. Like, bone-tired, ready to faceplant right into that shield. And that old guy pointing...is that even helpful? Curator: That's Father Tiber, the river god. He appears to Aeneas in a dream, guiding him toward his destiny. The image plays on the tension between fate and the burdens of leadership, very typical of the period. Editor: Right, so destiny's pointing...but Aeneas is just emotionally exhausted? I get that. The scratchy lines almost amplify his weariness. All the weight of founding Rome, yeesh! Curator: Rosa often explored themes of heroism and human fallibility. This piece reflects a broader interest in the Aeneid and its role in shaping cultural identity. Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What dreams might be nudging us toward, even when we're too tired to see them. Curator: Indeed. Rosa captures a moment of vulnerability, inviting us to consider the psychological toll of grand narratives. Editor: Food for thought. And a good reminder to maybe take a nap now and then, even if you're founding a city.