Lot 1556 Dα

The present work shows a scene from the early history of the founding of Rome, as described by Vergil in the Aeneid (VIII, 102-124). It shows the arrival of Aeneas and his soldiers among the Arcadian people near Pallanteum as they celebrate the feast of Hercules. In the centre of the composition we see Aeneas being greeted with a handshake by the King's son Pallas. The present work is a fine and characteristic example of small-format biblical and mythological works painted by the French-taught Dutch fijnschilder Gérard Hoet.