Felice Albites

Felice Albites
Italian, 1778-1811
The Clemency of Scipio
Inscribed Felice Albides (lr)
Brown ink and wash over black chalk on paper
15 1/2 x 24 7/8 inches (39.4 x 63.2 cm)
The story of the generosity of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus is told by various Roman authors. During the siege of a Carthaginian city in Iberia, the Romans captured a young woman betrothed to the Celtic prince Allucius. Scipio summoned her family, who brought him a ransom for her release. Scipio refused this treasure and instead restored her to them, asking in return that they become allies of Rome. When they offered the ransom as a gift, Scipio accepted it, but immediately returned it as a wedding present to the young couple. Prince Allucius and his people thereafter supported the Roman armies in Iberia.

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