The Capture of the Golden Fleece

This is one of seven illustrations of the story of Jason from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Book VII), made by Detroy as a series of sketches for cartoons for the Gobelins tapestry works in Paris. This sketch was finished by February 1743. The Gallery has another work from the same series: 'Jason swearing Eternal Affection to Medea'. The tapestries were woven in several sets, one of which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In this picture the dragon has been put to sleep by Medea's potion so Jason can take possession of the golden fleece. Jason stands over the dragon, while Medea, a sorceress and his betrothed, stands to the left. In the background on the left, are the Argonauts' ships which are being prepared to take them back to Greece.