The continence of Scipio. Engraving by Z. Dolendo after A. Bloemaert.

  • Bloemaert, Abraham, 1564-1651.
Date:
[1590?]
Reference:
2535395i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

During the second Punic War as narrated by Livy, Scipio refused the offer of a ransom for the fiancée of a Carthaginian prince, provided that he joined the Roman side in the war

Publication/Creation

[The Netherlands] : [publisher not identified], [1590?]

Physical description

1 print : engraving, in circle ; platemark diameter 16.2 cm

Lettering

Abstinentia et continentia Scipionis Africani. Te tua corrumsi sors, forma, belli Romaniq(ue) calor iuvenilis virgo iubebat, At pietas debitos caste servari tymenaeos Obtinet & pretium ad dotalia munera reddi. A. Blomaert in. Z. Dolen. f. The Latin verses around the engraving as transcribed do not make sense. They might have been intended to say "Te tua corrumpi sors, forma, bellique Romani calor, iuvenilis virgo iubebant, At pietas debitos caste servari hymenaeos, Obtinet & pretium ad dotalia munera reddi", meaning that Scipio's fate, his condition, the heat of the Roman war, and the young virgin all determined to corrupt him, but his piety ensured that the due engagement would be chastly preserved and that the ransom would be given back towards the dowry

Edition

[State after erasure of the imprint of Hendrik Hondius I from the plate, and after addition of lettering "Abstinentia et continentia Scipionis Africani" within the image].

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2535395i

Type/Technique

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