Achilles door Odysseus herkend temidden van de dochters van Lycomedes 1620 - 1692

Pietro del Po created this print, "Achilles door Odysseus herkend temidden van de dochters van Lycomedes", in the 17th century. Del Po was working in an era where mythological subjects were a vehicle to explore human psychology, and to encode social and political ideas. This scene shows the moment Odysseus reveals Achilles, who was hidden amongst the daughters of King Lycomedes to avoid being sent to war. Odysseus, in disguise as a merchant, offers trinkets and weapons and Achilles betrays himself by reaching for a sword. The story touches upon themes of identity and destiny. Achilles, disguised as a woman, is faced with the choice between a life of assumed femininity and his inescapable fate as a warrior. Here, Del Po subtly questions the rigidity of gender roles and the weight of societal expectations. In the print, the emotional tension of this revelation is palpable, inviting us to reflect on the moments that define our own paths.