The continence of Scipio

Oil on panel. Northern European school of the 17th century. The scene depicts an episode in the life of Scipio narrated by Titus Livius and Valerius Maximus. Publius Cornelius Scipio, later known as Scipio Africanus, in 209 BC during the Spanish campaign, after the capture of Cartagena received as a personal tribute a beautiful virgin, who was in the group of hostages. But he, listening to the pleas of her family, respected her, sending her back to her parents and fiancé, with the only recommendation that her betrothed work for peace between Rome and Carthage. In the depiction, Scipio is in the center, seated on his throne, and turns to the left, to the pleading parents of the girl, while with a clement gesture, he indicates that they should take their daughter back, standing on the right, flanked by her fiancé. All around, soldiers and followers of the king. The scene is rich in figures, bright and colorful, and underscores the positivity of the king, a central and powerful figure, but capable of meekness and clemency. The painting, restored, has been reinforced on the back with wooden strips. It is presented in a period frame. Frame dimensions (cm): Height: 105 Width: 158 Depth: 5 Artwork dimensions (cm): Height: 82 Width: 135 ARARPI0135940