The artwork, titled “The Dream of Aeneas,” was created by Salvator Rosa using oil on canvas. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and is categorized as a literary painting. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
In “The Dream of Aeneas,” a powerful and evocative scene unfolds, enveloped in the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of the Baroque period. The foreground is dominated by the figure of Aeneas, a mythological hero, depicted in a vulnerable, reclining position. His armor and attire suggest his role as a warrior, yet his closed eyes and relaxed posture indicate that he is lost in slumber or a trance-like state. Above him, another figure looms, draped in an earthy robe and adorned with a long, flowing beard intertwined with greenery, possibly representing a deity or a supernatural being. This enigmatic figure appears to be engaged in a moment of revelation or guidance, contributing to the painting’s rich narrative content and emotional depth. The dark, turbulent sky and rugged landscape enhance the sense of drama and tension within the scene.
