Aeneas Crowning Cloanthus

Ferdinand Bol (1616–1680), oil on canvas, c. 1661–1663

Bol’s painting, made for the Amsterdam Admiralty, shows a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid. Aeneas congratulates one of four ships’ captains who competed in a race. All four were rewarded on their return, even the captain who threw his helmsman overboard for disobeying an order. The painting was accompanied by a poem by Vondel, stressing the importance of firmness and generosity in good government.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-614
  • Dimensionsheight 218 cm x width 232 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op doek