Cimon and Pero
1775-1780
Franz Sigrist the Elder captures one of history's most bizarre acts of filial piety in this dramatic, shadowy scene. The story goes that Pero visited her father Cimon in prison, where he was sentenced to starve to death, and secretly kept him alive by breastfeeding him—a tale known as Roman Charity. The loose, energetic brushstrokes give the scene a raw, emotional intensity, typical of late Rococo sketches or studies. It's a powerful reminder that art isn't always about pretty landscapes; sometimes it's about extreme, almost shocking, family loyalty!
Views: 2