The Discovery of Achilles on Skyros by Poussin in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, June 2010

Discovery of Achilles on Skyros
about 1649–50
Nicolas Poussin, French (active in Rome), 1594–1665

Dimensions: 97.5 x 131.1 cm (38 3/8 x 51 5/8 in.)

Medium or Technique: Oil on canvas

Classification: Paintings
Type: Mythological

Accession Number: 46.463

Knowing that her son was destined to die if he fought in the Trojan War, Achilles's mother disguised him as a woman and hid him on the island of Skyros among the daughters of King Lycomedes. Sent to find Achilles, the Greek chieftains Ulysses and Diomedes disguised themselves as merchants. As they hoped, Achilles gave himself away by snatching up a sword that they had concealed in their chests of jewelry and clothing. Poussin preferred psychological to physical drama; in ...this late work, a moment of revelation and recognition is presented by means of figures frozen into carefully structured, clearly legible poses.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/discovery-of-achilles-on-s...