On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02455
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Achilles discovered by Ulysses among the daughters of Lycomedes
- Chronology
- 1625-1630
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 107 cm x 142 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- DONACION
- Procedence
- Donation by the Duchess widow of Pastrana, 1889
Disguised as a woman, Achilles took
refuge at the court of King
Lycomedes in order to avoid going
to the Trojan War where a terrible
prophecy predicted his death while
still a young man.
Ulysses wanted the help of this
hero in the fight and thought up a
trick to discover him. He came to
court in the guise of a merchant,
offering numerous objects to the
ladies on the left who appreciate
these jewels and feminine elements.
But Achilles takes an interest in a
military helmet, which appears on
his head in this painting, thus
revealing his masculine
condition.
This is one of the cartoons Rubens
made for a series of tapestries
based on the life of Achilles. It
is characterized by an especially
careful design and a knowledge of
classical Antiquity, and is also a
magnificent example of one of
Rubens most customary concerns:
designs for tapestries.
Location on the map
