Achilles at the Court of Lycomedes
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1975.23.56
Art Historical Context
This engraving captures a dramatic moment from classical mythology, showing the young Achilles at the court of King Lycomedes, where he was hidden in disguise among the king’s daughters to evade his prophesied role in the Trojan War. Created between 1601 and 1650 by Cornelis Visscher after an original design by Sir Peter Paul Rubens and published by Pieter Claesz Soutman, the print exemplifies how Baroque compositions were widely circulated through reproductive engravings. Rubens, a leading figure of the Flemish Baroque, was celebrated for his dynamic figures, rich movement, and theatrical li...