Cimon and Pero — Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens

Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens. Painted c. 1635.

Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640). Cimon and Pero, c. 1630. The remarkable story of Cimon and Pero dates from ancient Rome. Cimon was an old man who was held prisoner and was given nothing to eat. His daughter Pero kept him alive by secretly feeding him from her breast. The story was regarded as the epitome of filial devotion and sacrifice. It is also referred to as Caritas Romana: Roman charity. Rubens portrayed the old man with loose brushstrokes, characteristic for his later work. He accentuated the contrast between this wrinkled figure and the beautiful young woman. The nosey wardens stealing a glimpse also liven up the scene. Purchased by the Mauritshuis in The Hague in 1822 from Stier van Aerstelaer collection, Antwerp, Acquired by the Rijksmuseum in exchange in 1825.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 188.8 × 156.4 cm

Print: 119 × 98.6 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20026223. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.