Aeneas's Farewell to Dido 1618 - 1682

"Aeneas's Farewell to Dido," an etching by Jean Le Pautre, depicts the dramatic moment from Virgil's *Aeneid* where the Trojan hero Aeneas bids farewell to Queen Dido of Carthage. The scene is set before a grand architectural backdrop, likely inspired by the Palace of Versailles, where the Queen and her court stand before Aeneas, who kneels in a gesture of respect. Le Pautre skillfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of emotional tension, capturing the grief and despair of Dido and the conflicted emotions of Aeneas. This etching, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fine example of Le Pautre's mastery of the printmaking process, showcasing his ability to convey narrative and emotion with intricate detail.