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The Discovery of Achilles among the Daughters of Lycomedes

James, Sir Thornhill

1710

gouache

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

The Discovery of Achilles among the Daughters of Lycomedes is a 1710 gouache by James, Sir Thornhill, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: James, Sir Thornhill
When & what style?: 1710 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a dramatic scene with a half-naked man standing over a group of women and children. He holds a spear and looks powerful, while the women seem scared or confused. In the background, a few figures watch from a balcony, and the whole scene feels tense and chaotic. The artist used quick, loose lines to sketch the figures, leaving some areas rough and others more detailed. The brown ink and white highlights give it a warm, sketchy feel—like a quick study rather than a finished painting. Try looking up Baroque next to see how this style’s drama fits into bigger trends.