Aeneas vertelt Dido over zijn lotgevallen 1668

This 1668 etching by Gerard de Lairesse, titled *Aeneas vertelt Dido over zijn lotgevallen* (Aeneas tells Dido of his misfortunes), depicts a scene from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. The etching illustrates the moment when Aeneas, the Trojan hero, recounts his harrowing journey to Queen Dido of Carthage. Aeneas is seated in the center of the composition, dressed in armor and holding a spear. He is speaking to Dido, who sits next to him, while a cupid leans on Dido's lap. The dramatic scene is captured in the expressive figures and the use of light and shadow. The work is a testament to the Dutch Baroque artist’s skill and the enduring popularity of classical literature in the 17th century. The etching is a fine example of De Lairesse's work, which is known for its clarity, detail, and dramatic intensity.