Cupid disguised as Aeneas's son, presents gifts to Dido

Description

Achates, with spear in hand, presents Cupid, who is disguised as Aeneas's son, to Queen Dido. He offers her gifts to encourage her to love Aeneas who is seated at her side. Attendants are preparing a banquet that Dido is giving in honor of Aeneas and his companions.

Provenance

Barberini Family, Rome, Italy (before 1695-1899); Charles M. Ffoulke (1849-1909), Washington, D.C. (1899-1915); Mitchell Samuels of French & Company (1880-1959), New York, NY, sold to Mrs. Francis F. Prentiss (1909-before 1915); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1915-)

Cupid disguised as Aeneas's son, presents gifts to Dido

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli

1679

Accession Number

1915.79.2

Medium

tapestry weave: silk and wool

Dimensions

Overall: 418.8 x 634.6 cm (164 7/8 x 249 13/16 in.)

Classification

Tapestry

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Francis F. Prentiss, in memory of Dr. Dudley P. Allen