Achilles in the guise of a woman discovered by Ulysses. Dutch school, circa 1700.

Achilles in the guise of a woman discovered by Ulysses.

Dutch school, circa 1700.

Technique: oil on canvas Relined.

Dimensions 91cm x 71cm

Baroque period, with elements of theatricality and classicistic pathos. In the distance we see a building that recalls neoclassical architecture.

At the top left a curtain is moved to the left like a curtain revealing a scene on the stage. It represents Achilles dressed as a woman among the daughters of Lycomedes in front of the chest with the gifts, from which Achilles chooses a sword instead of jewels, this makes Ulysses understand that in front of him it is not a woman but Achilles.

On the right, dressed as soldiers with ancient helmets, Ulysses and Diomedes are depicted.

Painting has had restorations and some pictorial retouching.

*According to prophecy, Achilles was to die in the Trojan War. In order to avoid this, his mother hid him in the court of King Lycomedes, disguised as a woman. There, he spent time among the king´s daughters, falling in love with Deidamia. Ulysses and Diomedes knew about this scheme and wanted Achilles to help them fight the war. Disguised as merchants, they showed certain presents to the ladies as a way of giving Achilles away. As they hoped, the hero gave away his maleness by showing interest in weapons rather than jewels and other female adornments. Rubens chooses the exact moment when Ulysses, on the right, denounces Achilles as he unsheathes a sword. That is when he calls him to fight against the Trojans.