Italian School, XVIII century.

Italian School, XVIII century.
"Achilles at the court of Licomedes".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 38 x 50 cm.

The scene narrates an episode of Achilles' youth. According to the myth, his mother Thetis, knowing that her son would die in the Trojan War, sent him to the island of Scyros disguised as a woman to live among the daughters of King Licomedes. The Italian School of the 18th century is characterized by an evolution from late Baroque to Classicism or Rococo. In this type of work there is usually a dramatic use of light and dynamic compositions reminiscent of a theatrical staging. Several Italian masters of the eighteenth century treated this theme, highlighting the versions of Pompeo Batoni (ca. 1745-1746) and the sketches of Francesco de Mura (1741-1743).