The Continence of Scipio
Flemish
Category
Tapestries
Date
circa 1600 - circa 1625
Materials
Tapestry, wool and silk
Measurements
3.15 m (H); 3.81 m (W)
Place of origin
Belgium
Order this imageCollection
Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
NT 494845
Summary
Tapestry, wool and silk, The Continence of Scipio, Flemish, c. 1600-1625. Scipio sits in his tent on the left gesturing to a young maiden who stands to his left; she has been presented to him as a prize of war after his victory over Carthage. On discovering that the maiden was betrothed Scipio returned her to her fiancé, the bearded man kneeling in the centre. The surrounding figures beating golden vessels and other gifts are members of the captured girl’s family. The tapestry has borders with medallions at the centre of each side and putti at the upper corners holding ribbons from which garlands of fruit and leaves are suspended.
Provenance
Date of entry 1980 - part of property when transferred to the National Trust
Makers and roles
Flemish, workshop