Aeneas Going to Battle 1667
gerarddelairesse
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pen drawing
mechanical pen drawing
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"Aeneas Going to Battle" is an etching by Gerard de Lairesse, a prominent Dutch painter and draftsman of the 17th century. This artwork, dated 1667, depicts the Trojan hero Aeneas, a central figure in Virgil's epic poem "The Aeneid," departing for battle. The scene unfolds in an architectural setting, with a dramatic composition emphasizing Aeneas' resolve as he bids farewell to his family and prepares to fight. This etching is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the artistic brilliance of De Lairesse and his ability to translate a classic literary narrative into a compelling visual composition.
Comments
De Lairesse’s subject matter was frequently highly idiosyncratic. This time he chose a rarely portrayed scene in the Aeneid, Vergil’s epic poem about the Trojan Aeneas. The goddess Venus, Aeneas’ mother, enjoins her son from a cloud to wage war against the Greeks. Desperate, his wife Creusa and son Ascanius, try to stop him. To no avail, naturally.
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