From the tapestry series 'The Continence of Scipio', which tells of the Roman general Scipio Africanus's magnanimous treatment of his rivals. During the campaign against Spain in 209 BC the Romans captured a beautiful young woman who was offered up as a concubine to Scipio know for his womanising ways. Upon hearing that she was betrothed to Allucius, an ally of Carthage, he summoned the woman's parents and fiance to him. This tapestry depicts the moment where they arrive offering treasure as a ransom. Scipio declines the ransom and offers her return if Allucius offers his loyalty to Rome which he accepts. Allucius then offers the treasure as a present which Scipio then returns as a wedding present.
In the tapestry Scipio sits upon a throne looking back at the young bride who is standing in the classical pose of Venus and looking on at her fiance as he kneels with the treasure.
Woven in wool and backed with linen. The tapestry is in good condition with old repairs.
Brussels, late 16th century.
There are other tapestries from this series exhibited at the Newport Restoration Foundation in Rhode Island and the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice.
HEIGHT: 246 cm (8'8")
WIDTH: 353 cm (11'7")
£POA
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