Landscape with the Union of Dido and Aeneas
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | The National Gallery, London |
Created along with the painter, Gaspard Dughet, this artwork describes a scene from Aeneid by Virgil. In this particular episode, Dido, the queen of Carthage has taken shelter with Aeneas in a nearby cave due to the raging storm sent by Juno, one of the goddesses along with Venus and Hymen. We find trees are arched due to the great storm and to the left is a caravan of people is unable to travel ahead due to the severe weather conditions. Thick branches have also been ripped apart. A putto is seen handling the reins of a horse, who is followed by his loyal dogs. Two other angels are visible above Dido and Aeneas holding bow and arrow, symbolic for love and romance. The three goddesses are seen above in the left with Juno in the centre wearing a crown and goddess Hymen holding a torch. The landscape of this painting was finished by Gaspard Dughet and the figures were later completed by Carlo Maratti. Artists often collaborated with one another for learning experiences and improve their reputation. This painting is an example of one such collaboration that resulted in the creation of this ethereal art piece.
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