Jan Brueghel the Elder “Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hades” at the Colonna Gallery in Rome

Jan Brueghel the Elder, Aeneas and the Sibyl in the Underworld, at the Colonna Gallery in Rome.

Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hades

Jan Brueghel the Elder (1588 - 13 January 1625) “Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hell”

Oil on copper (25.7 x 35.3 cm) 1594

This painting by Brueghel refers to Virgil's Aeneid, in which the gods allow Aeneas to visit the underworld. Aeneas embarks on a journey of initiation, embodying the soul guided by Wisdom, namely the Sibyl of Cumae. He visits the underworld and discovers all the vices that must be avoided in order to be admitted to the Elysian Fields.

It is here that, with the help of the Sibyl, he will find his beloved Queen Dido, as well as his father Anchises, who will reveal his noble ancestry to him.

Jan Brueghel the Elder, Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hades, at the Colonna Gallery in Rome.

Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hades Brueghel's painting clearly depicts Aeneas' apprehension in the face of monsters and the sad spectacle before him: the Sibyl tries to reassure him by guiding him by the hand, while he leans back, ready to defend himself with his sword.

As a prophetess who knows the future and Aeneas' glorious destiny, the Sibyl shows no fear.

Jan Brueghel the Elder reintroduced the monsters and the structure of hell that appear in his painting depicting Christ's descent into limbo, with the River Styx in the background on the right.

From the top of the rocks surrounding the river, we can see silhouettes plunging into the abyss.

Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hades

Aeneas and the Sibyl in Hell