Aeneas and the Sibyl in the Underworld

1630s
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 640
The literary reference for the subject depicted on this early example of Flemish oil on copper was the classical author Virgil’s Aeneid. The infernal “hell landscape” was inspired by paintings executed by the artist’s father, Jan Brueghel the Elder, who in turn had looked back to Hieronymus Bosch.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Aeneas and the Sibyl in the Underworld
  • Artist: Jan Brueghel the Younger (Flemish, Antwerp 1601–1678 Antwerp)
  • Date: 1630s
  • Medium: Oil on copper
  • Dimensions: 10 1/2 x 14 1/8 in. (26.7 x 35.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Erna S. Blade, in memory of her uncle, Sigmund Herrmann, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.444
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.