The Story of Virginia (1496-1504) by Sandro Botticelli
Tempera on panel, 85 x 165 cm
Accademia Carrara, Bergamo
It is one of the last works that Botticelli made, exemplifying virtue, like The Story of Lucretia.
The painting has as a fundamental theme of violated honor and matrimonial fidelity. The combination of several scenes in a single image was common in the art of the early Renaissance. These are read from left to right:
1. Virginia, in the company of other women, is violated or assaulted by Marcus Claudius Tacitus, who wants to force her to yield to Appius Claudius Caecus;
2. He carries her to the tribunal presided by Appius Claudius who declares her a slave;
3. The father and the husband of the woman plead for clemency
4. The father, to preserve the family honor, kills her and flees on horseback.
This story is developed within a setting of classical architecture, in which the figures are agitated, painted with vibrant colors.
John Anagnostou student of B1 of General Experimental high School Of Mytilene,
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