Artwork
Coriolanus's Mother and Wife Begging Him to Spare Rome
Coriolanus's Mother and Wife Begging Him to Spare Rome is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerbrand van den Eeckhout. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Gerbrand van den Eeckhout’s 1662 oil painting presents a dramatic moment from Roman legend, showing the warrior Coriolanus confronted by his mother and child as they plead for the safety of Rome. The composition is dominated by the armored figure, his spear poised, while the surrounding figures convey urgency and sorrow against a backdrop of a burning city under a somber sky.
Subject & Meaning
The work visualizes the classical narrative in which Coriolanus, a Roman general, is urged by his mother and his infant son to abandon his assault on the city. The pleading gestures and the stark contrast between the stern soldier and the vulnerable family members underscore themes of loyalty, familial duty, and the tragic consequences of political ambition.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting reflects van den Eeckhout’s mastery of chiaroscuro, a hallmark of his training under Rembrandt. The figures are rendered with careful modeling, the armor and spear depicted in precise detail, while the surrounding crowd recedes into shadow, creating depth and emphasizing the central emotional conflict.
History & Provenance
Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the canvas entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. Van den Eeckhout, noted for his versatility as an etcher, poet, and collector, produced this history painting as part of his broader oeuvre that engaged with classical subjects.
Context
In 17th‑century Dutch art, history paintings served both educational and moral purposes, drawing on ancient sources to reflect contemporary concerns. Van den Eeckhout’s choice of the Coriolanus episode aligns with the period’s interest in exemplifying the tension between personal honor and civic responsibility, resonating with the political climate of his homeland.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Gerbrand van den Eeckhout (19 August 1621 – 29 September 1674) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and a favourite student of Rembrandt. He was also an etcher, an amateur poet, a collector and an adviser on art.
