Aeneas and The Sibyl | Unknown Master | 1800 17th Century The meticulous rendering of textures—from

The meticulous rendering of textures—from the weathered pages to the smooth bone—underscores the painting’s moral message on the fragility of life

Rubens' mastery of the human form and use of chiaroscuro—a strong contrast between light and dark—are evident in this deeply moving piece

Saturn Devouring His Son is a painting by Spanish artist Francisco Goya

finished with a durable

the stars begin to shine through

Aeneas and The Sibyl | Unknown Master | 1800 17th Century The meticulous rendering of textures—fromThis early 19th century painting by an unknown master depicts the story from the Aeneid, by the Roman poet Virgil. The Trojan military leader Aeneas wants to visit the Underworld in order to consult the ghost of his father. He meets the Cumaean Sibyl (a priestess at Cumae, a Greek colony near Naples, Italy). She agrees to guide him through the kingdom of the dead. The deep lake, surrounded by dark woods, was believed to lead to the Underworld. Print: