The Continence of Scipio

Image credit: National Trust Images

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After the capture of New Carthage in Spain, the general Scipio restored a beautiful captive to her betrothed. He even gave them a wedding present: the gold her parents had brought as a ransom. The story is a prime example of political calculation (Scipio had learned that the fiancé was an influential nobleman) and sexual abstinence.

Unlike many representations of this scene, here the couple are shown kneeling in thanks (not in custody) and the ransom has already been returned. Scipio is shown directing his compassion towards the girl. The dress of the retinue is loosely based on fifteenth-century Burgundian dress (not Roman, but of an historical flavour).

This picture is a copy after Rubens's painting of 1620, which was destroyed by fire.

National Trust, Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village

near Chippenham

Title

The Continence of Scipio

Date

17th C

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 82 x W 115.5 cm

Accession number

996275

Acquisition method

gift from Matilda Theresa Talbot (formerly Gilchrist-Clark), 1948

Work type

Painting

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National Trust, Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village

Lacock, near Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2PG England

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