Who painted Cimon and Pero?

Cimon and Pero was painted by Unknown in 1624.

Where can I see Cimon and Pero?

Cimon and Pero is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Cimon and Pero?

Cimon and Pero is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Cimon and Pero

Unknown , 1624

Cimon and Pero is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting titled *Cimon and Pero* depicts a woman in a loosely draped white garment offering a cup to an elderly man who leans forward, his back turned and one hand resting on his knee. The composition is set against a dark background, allowing the figures to emerge with stark contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The scene suggests an act of nourishment, with the woman appearing to feed the older figure. The ambiguous posture of the man leaves his state—whether alive or deceased—open to interpretation, inviting viewers to consider themes of care, mortality, and familial duty.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, a method that emphasizes dramatic illumination against deep shadow. Light concentrates on the cup and the woman's face, creating a focal point, while the surrounding darkness enhances the three‑dimensionality of the forms.

History & Provenance

No specific details about the painting’s creation date, artist, or ownership history are provided, limiting knowledge of its provenance and the context of its acquisition.

Context

The title references the ancient Roman tale of Cimon and Pero, in which a daughter secretly breastfeeds her imprisoned father to keep him alive. The visual allusion to feeding aligns the work with this legend, situating it within a tradition of moral and filial narratives.