Italian school of the second half of the seventeenth century

Italian school of the second half of the 17th century.
"Thetis dipping Achilles".
Oil on canvas.
The frame has significant damage.
Measurements: 95 x 70 cm.

The canvas in bidding shows us the moment in which Thetis, marine divinity, bathes her son in waters of Styx with the aim of making him immortal. However, as can be seen, the heel by which she held him did not touch the water, so it was the only part that Achilles was vulnerable (hence the famous expression "Achilles' heel"). Contrary to what might happen with other versions, the scene in bidding takes place indoors. A group of women are gathered around a central basin in which the waters of the Styx lagoon would rest. One of the ladies holds the little boy in her hands as she prepares to introduce him inside, oblivious to his sobs. The rest of the ladies observe the scene and get ready to dry him with sheets.