Who painted Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover?

Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover was painted by Italian 17th Century in 1601.

Where can I see Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover?

Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover?

Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover

Italian 17th Century , 1601

Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Italian 17th Century. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:falsely inscribed, lower right in pen and brown ink, crossed out and rewritten: P:er Cortone

About this work

Overview

The work titled Scipio Restoring His Captive to Her Lover is a drawing executed in black chalk, enhanced with a black wash and white highlights. It is rendered on a sheet of green‑blue paper, giving the surface a subtle tint that distinguishes it from plain white supports.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a classical narrative scene in which a figure identified as Scipio is shown returning a captive woman to her lover. The arrangement of the figures and their gestures suggest themes of mercy, diplomatic resolution, and the moral virtues associated with the Roman general.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a limited palette, relying on the contrast between dense black chalk and a diluted black wash to model volume and create depth. White heightening is applied to accentuate highlights, while the colored paper contributes a muted background tone. The handling of light and shadow reflects a chiaroscuro approach, achieving a three‑dimensional effect with minimal materials.

History & Provenance

The drawing is catalogued as a work on paper; specific details regarding its date, creator, and ownership history are not provided in the available information.