Gerard de Lairesse

Achilles Discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes

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82 voorzijde

Gerard de Lairesse
Achilles Discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes

1680 On view in Room 16

This painting by De Lairesse is a typical example of the style that came into fashion in Holland at the end of the seventeenth century. The light colours, smooth brushwork and even lighting are characteristic of this classical style.

The subject is a story from classical antiquity. The Greek hero Achilles is dressed as a woman, in the hope that he can avoid being sent into battle. The painting depicts the moment when he picks up a sword on impulse and betrays himself.

Technical details

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82 voorzijde

Gerard de Lairesse
Achilles Discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes

1680 On view in Room 16

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Details

General information
Gerard de Lairesse (Liège 1641 - 1711 Amsterdam)
Achilles Discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes
1680
painting
82
Room 16
Material and technical details
oil
canvas
138 x 190 cm
Inscriptions
lower left: G. Lairesse

Provenance

Possibly Petronella de la Court, Amsterdam, 1707; Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn, 1757; Prince William V, 1774-1795; confiscated by the French, transferred to the Muséum Central des Arts/Musée Napoléon (Musée du Louvre), Paris, 1795-1815; Royal Picture Gallery, housed in the Prince William V Gallery, The Hague, 1816; transferred to the Mauritshuis, 1822