The suicide of Dido lying on the pyre in the centre surrounded by figures 1780

This anonymous 1780 etching, "The suicide of Dido lying on the pyre in the centre surrounded by figures," depicts a pivotal scene from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. The composition focuses on Dido, Queen of Carthage, as she lays on a pyre, surrounded by figures representing her despair. Above, a figure sits on a cloud with a peacock, symbolizing Dido's pride and ultimate downfall. The detailed rendering of the figures and the dramatic lighting create a sense of tragedy and pathos. This artwork exemplifies the fascination with classical mythology in 18th-century European art. The inscription at the bottom suggests the artwork might have been a commission, possibly for a noble patron interested in the classical world. This piece showcases the expressive capabilities of etching and the continuing power of classical literary themes on artistic production.