French Classicism

This painting by Nicolas Poussin, Discovery of Achilles on Skyros (1649–1650), shows the French interest in classical themes and ideals. In the Greek story, Thetis dresses her son Achilles as a young woman and hides him on the island of Skyros so he would not have to fight in the Trojan War. When a chest of treasures is offered to the women, Achilles reveals himself (he is the figure on the far right) because he cannot resist the sword. In telling the story, Poussin emphasizes harmony and almost a sedateness of composition, avoiding the exuberance and emotionalism of the baroque style. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA / Juliana Cheney Edwards Collection / Bridgeman Images.)