The Continence of Scipio

The painting depicts a scene from Roman history where a man, identifiable by his red cloak, returns a chest containing gold and a ring to a woman, surrounded by a crowd. This act illustrates the virtue of self-control, as referenced in the title.

Executed in tempera, the work showcases meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of armor and textiles, characteristic of the workshop's careful craftsmanship.

Created in Florence around 1455, this panel is one of several narrative story panels produced by the Workshop of Apollonio di Giovanni during this period.

As a historical scene, it reflects the Renaissance interest in classical Roman virtues and stories, often depicted in art for moral instruction.

Now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, it contributes to the institution's collection of tempera panels from the same era, offering insight into 15th-century Florentine artistic practices.