Mucius Scaevola and The continence of Scipio

Details

GERMAN (SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY)
Mucius Scaevola and The continence of Scipio
Each within an ebonised oak frame
ivory relief
The reliefs: 11 ½ x 23 ¼ in. (29 x 59 cm.)
Overall: 34 x 40 in. (86.5 x 101.5 cm.)
(2)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Giles Forster

gforster@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2146

Lot Essay

The present panels represent two scenes from Roman history. The first is of Mucius Scaevola, a Roman nobleman who infiltrated the enemy Etruscan camp during their siege of Rome with the intention of killing the king. Upon his discovery, Scaevola thrust his hand into an altar fire before the king in a demonstration of the low value he placed on his own life, shocking the monarch and earning him his freedom. The second scene is of the Roman general Scipio the Elder, who, upon conquering a Spanish city, reunited the native maiden presented to him as a prize of war with her fiancé in a demonstration of Roman morals.

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