Ulysses discovering Achilles, 18th century (oil on canvas)

Angelica Kauffman RA (Chur 1741 – Rome 1807). Oil painting on canvas, Ulysses discovering Achilles (amongst the attendants of Deidamia) by Angelica Kauffman RA (Chur 1741 – Rome 1807), 1769. A classical scene where, Achilles, disguised as girl among the daughters of Lycomedes to avoid serving in the Trojan War and his fated death, instinctively chooses the armour of Ulysses rather than the jewellery and therefore betraying his true sex. It is related in Hyginus 96 and Ovid's Metamorphoses 13:162-70. He stands on the left in a classical interior, in female dress but with a drawn sword. Another man, Ulysses, stands beside him wearing a turban and has his left hand on Achilles' left arm and looks him in the eye. Two women are seated at a table on the right and one stands behind. One of the women on the right points to Achilles. Saltram, Devon (Accredited Museum)