Theodoor van Thulden: Antiochus and Stratonice (17th century)

 

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A painting by the Flemish artist Theodoor van Thulden (1606 – 1669). This painting shows an anecdote from Greek history. Antiochus was the son of Seleucus I Nicator (358 BC – 281 BC), king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. Antiochus fell in love with his father's new wife Stratonice of Syria, but kept this a secret despite falling mortally ill because of it. The doctor Erasistratus discovered the cause of Antiochus' sickness since he became agitated and his heartbeat quickened when Stratonice entered the room. In order to save the life of his son, Seleucus gave up Stratonice in marriage to Antiochus. Painting from the 17th century.