---
title: Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia
author: Jean-Joseph Taillasson
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21544/virgil-reading-the-aeneid-to-augustus-and-octavia/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-01-29
---

# Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia

_Authored by Jean-Joseph Taillasson_

## Image File

[![Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21544.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21544.jpg)

## Image Caption

*[Virgil](https://www.worldhistory.org/virgil/) reading [the Aeneid](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Aeneid/) to [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) and [Octavia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Octavia/)*, oil on canvas painting by Jean-Joseph Taillasson, 1787.

The [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) poet Virgil reads the *[Aeneid](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Aeneid/)* to Augustus and his sister [Octavia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Octavia_Minor/). Octavia is shown fainting after Virgil references her recently deceased son Marcellus as a hero [Aeneas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeneas/) meets in the underworld.

The National Gallery, London.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Taillasson, J. (2026, January 29). Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21544/virgil-reading-the-aeneid-to-augustus-and-octavia/>
### Chicago
Taillasson, Jean-Joseph. "Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 29, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21544/virgil-reading-the-aeneid-to-augustus-and-octavia/>.
### MLA
Taillasson, Jean-Joseph. "Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus and Octavia." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 Jan 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21544/virgil-reading-the-aeneid-to-augustus-and-octavia/>.

## License & Copyright

[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VirgilAeneidVI.jpg) by [**Jean-Joseph Taillasson**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VirgilAeneidVI.jpg). Submitted by [Harrison W. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/harrisonwmark/ "User Page: Harrison W. Mark"), published on 29 January 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.