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ASMUS JACOB CARSTENS
1754 Sankt Jürgen – 1798 Rom

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The Wreath of Achilles

Athena hinders Achilles from killing Agamemnon. Iliad, first book, verses 172 – 213)
Graphite on vellum with watermark “GE”, 197 mm by 272 mm;
Conservation: two smaller tears, paper yellowed

Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Frank-Dietrich Jacob (Leipzig)

The scene shows the angry Achilles about to massacre Agamemnon, who had deeply offended him. Athena comes from behind, only visible to Achilles, and hinders him from carrying out his plan.
I would like to thank Dr. Mareike Hennig (Frankfurt/ Main) for confirming the attribution and further advice.