An Episode from the Life of Publius Cornelius Scipio, after 1506
Giovanni Bellini
An Episode from the Life of Publius Cornelius Scipio, after 1506
Oil on canvas, 74.8 x 356.2 cm (29 7/16 x 140 1/4 in.)
National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, Samuel H. Kress Collection
Image courtesy of the Board of Trustees, National Gallery of Art
Explain the subject matter of the painting and the connection between the Renaissance patron and Scipio.
1) Q: What reasons might the patron have had for commissioning the painting?
A: Responses might include:
- To demonstrate pride in an illustrious ancestor
- To show an inspirational example of virtue
- To express an interest in classical antiquity
2) Q: In what ways has classical antiquity influenced the painting?
A: Responses might include:
- Subject matter
- Costumes (drapery and armor)
- Imitation of sculpture
- Tablet with Latin inscription
3) Q: The painting is an example of trompe l’oeil, a French phrase meaning “fool the eye.” In what respect does the painting fool the eye?
A: Responses might include:
- It creates the illusion of sculpture when it is actually a painting.
- It creates the illusion of three-dimensionality when it is actually two-dimensional.
- It creates the illusion of an antique work of art when it is actually modern.
4) Q: How was paint used to create the illusion of sculpture?
A: Responses might include:
- The use of a monochrome palette in shades of gray
- The modeling of forms through highlight and shadow to create the illusion of three-dimensional contours (the appearance of recession and projection)
- Note that the painting imitates a particular sculptural technique: a bas-relief carving. The carved design stands out in low profile against the background.
5) Q: Why do you think the painter may have wished to imitate sculpture?
A: Responses might include:
- To demonstrate a taste for classical sculpture
- As an opportunity to show off his imitative skill
6) Q: Why not just hire a sculptor?
A: The skill required to simulate another medium makes the painting more impressive, valuable, and rare than an actual sculpture would be.