Who painted Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome?

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome was painted by Jacopo da Sellaio in 1470-01-01.

Where can I see Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome?

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome?

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome

Jacopo da Sellaio , 1470

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Jacopo da Sellaio. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

The painting Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome is dated to circa 1470 and attributed to the Florentine artist Jacopo da Sellaio.

The painting Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome is dated to circa 1470 and attributed to the Florentine artist Jacopo da Sellaio. According to the sources, the work is presently held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it bears the accession number 1942.646, indicating its acquisition by the museum in 1942. No earlier ownership, commission, or detailed provenance information is provided in the available sources.

Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome by Jacopo da Sellaio, dated 1470, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its accession number is 1942.646, as recorded in the Wikidata record for the painting. The work measures 41.0 cm in height and 165.4 cm in width. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.

Legacy

The painting Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome by Jacopo da Sellaio was created in 1470 and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it remains on view. As an early example of Renaissance narrative painting, it has influenced later interpretations of the legendary Roman king's entrance into the city, cited in art historical literature for its compositional clarity and use of color. The work continues to be referenced in studies of 15th-century Florentine art and the transmission of classical subjects in early modern painting.

Overview

Jacopo del Sellaio, a Florentine painter active in the late 15th century, completed the work titled Tarquinius Priscus Entering Rome in 1470. The oil on panel is part of the early Renaissance repertoire and is presently housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art. It portrays the legendary fifth king of Rome as he arrives in the city, surrounded by a bustling crowd.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the regal figure of Tarquinius Priscus, identified by his presence among a procession of armored men, mounted riders, and onlookers. A seated woman on a throne‑like chair, crowned and dressed in an elaborate gown, occupies the focal point, suggesting a ceremonial reception or a symbolic representation of civic authority within the mythic narrative.

Technique & Style

Sellaio’s handling reflects the transitional language of the early Renaissance, combining linear clarity with a rich palette. The figures are rendered with defined contours, while the decorative throne and patterned textiles display an attention to surface detail reminiscent of his contemporaries Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, and Ghirlandaio. Atmospheric depth is suggested through a backdrop of architecture, foliage, and water, punctuated by a soaring bird.

Context

The work reflects the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity and the legendary foundations of Rome. By depicting a foundational monarch, Sellaio engages with contemporary humanist interests, presenting an idealized vision of civic virtue and the continuity between ancient Rome and 15th‑century Florence.