Lot 114: JACQUES-JOSEPH DE GAULT (FRENCH, 1738-1817)

Priam and Achilles
inscribed in Greek, 'Priam pleading to Achilles for the body of Hector'
in sepia on opaline glass
2 3/8 in. (61 mm.) diam., ormolu frame with inner beaded mount

Priam was the king of Troy during the Trojan War. He had a number of wives and concubines and by them Priam was the father of fifty sons and several daughters. Hector was Priam's eldest son by his favourite wife, Hecuba, who also bore to Priam other sons including Paris. During the Trojan War Hector was killed by Achilles, who disrespected the body by refusing to give it to Priam. This displeased the gods and Zeus sent a message to Priam to go alone to the Achaean ships and take only one old man to drive the wagon-load of treasure for the ransom. Priam did this, taking his youngest son Helios in disguise. Achilles, having had his own message from the gods, agreed to release Hector's body to the old king. Achilles further went on to give Priam leave to hold a proper funeral for Hector complete with funeral games. He promised that no Greek would engage in combat for eleven days, but on the twelth the war would resume. In the sack of Troy, Priam was brutally murdered by Achilles's son Neoptolemus.

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