Achilles discovered amongst the Daughters of Lycomedes

Willem van Herp (Antwerp ca.1614 - Antwerp 1677). Oil painting on oak panel, Achilles discovered amongst the Daughters of Lycomedes, by Willem van Herp (Antwerp ca.1614 - Antwerp 1677). Scene in a stepped courtyard with twisted columns to the right background. Two of the daughters of Lycomedes bend over a box of trinkets in the centre while behind to the left stands Ihird? with two older women. At right Achilles tries on the helmet and sword, and Ulysses and Diomedes enter from the right. Shield, bow and arrows on ground, dog at right. Achilles mother Thetis knowing of his tragic destiny sent him to the court of Lycomedes where he was disguised as a girl and placed with his daughters. Knowing that Troy could not be taken without Achilles, Ulysses placed weapons among some jewellery in Lycomedes's house. The women admired the jewellery but Achilles seized the weapons and gave himself away. He sailed to Troy with the Greeks. Felbrigg, Norfolk (Accredited Museum)