Achilles Discovered

Brisé (with no leaf) fan with ivory and mother of pearl sticks and guards.
 
The verso is painted with an episode from the myth of Achilles (referenced in Homer’s ‘The Iliad’), with a mirror image on the recto. 
 
The central scene depicts the moment Achilles is discovered by Ulysses, hiding among the daughters of Lycomedes.  Achilles’ mother had sent him to Skyros disguised as a woman in order to prevent his inevitable death in the Trojan War.  Ulysses heard rumours of his whereabouts and travelled to the palace, causing Achilles to reveal his true identity.