The Dream of Aeneas

Salvator Rosa Italian

Not on view

This picture, with the artist's characteristic rugged figures, is an evocative visualization of the foundation of Rome as described in Virgil’s Aeneid (1st c. B.C.). While Aeneas sleeps on the banks of the river Tiber, "there appeared to him the God of the place, old Tiber himself, who arose from his pleasant stream amid poplar leaves. A fine linen clothed him in gray raiment, and shady reeds covered his hair. Then he spoke to Aeneas, and assuaged all his care with his words . . . . ‘This spot shall be the place for your city.’"

#5206. The Dream of Aeneas

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The Dream of Aeneas, Salvator Rosa (Italian, Arenella (Naples) 1615–1673 Rome), Oil on canvas

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