Artwork
The Continence of Scipio
The Continence of Scipio is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Continence of Scipio is a painting depicting a scene from ancient Roman history.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the virtuous act of Scipio Africanus the Elder, a Roman commander, who returns a captive woman to her husband, demonstrating wise and honorable leadership.
Technique & Style
The artwork employs sfumato, a painting technique that creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint, and features a crowded scene with multiple figures reacting to Scipio's actions.
Context
The scene is set after Scipio's conquest of New Carthage in Spain in 209 BC, and is meant to exemplify his moral character and leadership qualities.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (29 April 1675 – 2 or 5 November 1741) was one of the leading Venetian history painters of the early 18th century.
Bacchus and Ariadne
Ceres, Bacchus and Cupid
Rettung des hl. Sebastian durch Irene
The Continence of Scipio
Allegorie auf den Tod einer Fürstin
Allegorie: Ein alter Mann ergreift das Szepter
Begrüßung der Kurfürstin Maria Luisa von Toskana
Allegorie der Befreiung vom Joch des Islam (Frieden und Glück unter Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz)
