Thetis receives the weapons of Achilles from Hephaestus. Painting by Anthony van Dyck, ca. 1630-1632, now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Thetis receives the weapons of Achilles from Hephaestus. Painting by Anthony van Dyck, ca. 1630-1632
THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES 
Who is the man behind Thetis?
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A very good question, Ana! The museum doesn’t identify this man, [see https://www.khm.at/objektdb/detail/650 ] unfortunately, and Homer doesn’t offer any clues either. Perhaps it’s one of Hephaestus’ workers or maybe van Dyck had Achilles in mind when he painted this man – what do you think?
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Thank you for your response. I do not think it is one of Hephaestus workers because the ones Homer mentions as Hephaestus attendants were female robots. Achilles is a possibility. I originally thought it could be Achilles´ father, Peleus, but the man is too young for that. For now, I would go with Achilles unless a better possibility comes up.
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Can’t recall the source, but it’s mentioned somewhere that the Cyclops were among the workers in Hehpaestus’ forge. And since this fellow has both eyes, I’m thinking we’re both on the right track with Achilles!
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Yep! At least until we learn of a better option.
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