The drawing Ontmoeting van Aeneas met Pallas, de zoon van Euander (Evander) by Claude Lorrain, executed in 1671, illustrates a pivotal moment from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. This detailed study on paper captures the legendary meeting between the Trojan hero Aeneas and the young prince Pallas, the son of King Evander, an alliance crucial for Aeneas's success in Latium and the eventual foundation of Rome.
As a late-period work, this piece demonstrates Lorrain’s consistent adherence to classical narrative structure. Although primarily celebrated for his idealized landscape paintings, the artist utilized drawings like this one extensively to solidify compositional concepts and manage the complex human figures interacting within a scene. The medium of paper facilitates a detailed exploration of light and shadow, characteristic of the mature Baroque style transitioning toward academic Classicism.
Lorrain’s commitment to historical accuracy and dramatic staging is evident in the interaction between the two mythological figures, providing a visual interpretation that emphasizes the significance of their pact. Created toward the end of the artist’s prolific career, this work showcases his meticulous draftsmanship and deep respect for classical literature. The Rijksmuseum holds this important drawing in its extensive collection of prints and drawings, ensuring its availability for scholarly reference. Today, high-quality prints derived from such influential works, which have entered the public domain, continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of this French master.
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