The Dream of Aeneas 1664

Salvator Rosa created this etching, "The Dream of Aeneas," in the 17th century, amidst a time of political upheaval and artistic innovation. Rosa, an Italian Baroque painter, was known for his wild landscapes and dramatic history paintings. Here, Aeneas, the Trojan hero, is seen receiving guidance in a dream. The figure of the river god Tiberinus points Aeneas towards his destiny: the founding of Rome. Rosa masterfully uses the etching technique to create a scene filled with emotion. Aeneas, slumped and vulnerable, contrasts with the commanding presence of Tiberinus. This contrast speaks to the tension between fate and free will, a common theme in Baroque art. Rosa's personal life also mirrors the drama of his art. He was known for his rebellious spirit. "The Dream of Aeneas" is not just an illustration of a classical story, it reflects the artist's engagement with the past, his emotional intensity, and his quest to find meaning in a tumultuous world.