The Continence of Scipio
by EECKHOUT, Gerbrand van den, Oil on canvas, 133 x 168 cm
The episode depicted, narrated by Livy and Valerius Maximus, tells of how after the taking of Carthage in 209 BC Scipio had treated with respect a beautiful virgin, one of the hostages who had been consigned to him, and had sent her back to her intended husband and parents with the sole recommendation that her suitor strived for peace between Rome and Carthage. The parents present themselves before Scipio, enthroned after his victory, who refuses to accept the gold of the ransom they have brought, while the maiden’s gallant, with sword and helmet, listens to the generous sentence. The parents’ offer of gold and silver objects include the famous drinking horn of Adam van Vianen.