The National Gallery in London has acquired a significant history painting by the 18th-century artist Angelica Kauffman. Titled ‘Achilles discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes’ (1787–88), it is the first work by Kauffman to enter a UK national collection in nearly two centuries.
The painting depicts the Greek mythological scene from the Trojan War, showcasing Achilles hidden on the island of Skyros. Commissioned by Catherine the Great and inspired by Statius’ Achilleid, this technically advanced oil study is unusually large for its time, measuring nearly 4-feet-square.
‘Achilles discovered among the Daughters of Lycomedes’ was gifted to the museum by Richard and Luba Barrett, collectors from Dallas who specialize in Swiss art. Alongside this masterpiece, they also donated two other paintings: a portrait by Ferdinand Hodler and a landscape by Alexandre Calame.
For those interested in art history, Kauffman’s work offers a unique insight into her time, blending classical inspiration with contemporary techniques. The painting’s detailed depiction of ancient mythological scenes underscores the enduring appeal of these narratives across centuries.
