Cimon and Pero (ca. 1650–80)
Original title: Cimon and Pero
kurzbeschreibung
Cornelis van Caukercken made this engraving, Cimon and Pero, between about 1650 and 1680. It depicts the famous scene of Roman charity, in which the prisoner Cimon is breastfed by his daughter Pero. This impression is the first of two states.
Description
Cimon, bearded and with a powerful torso, stretches out on the ground. Pero, recognizable by her long wavy hair and a headscarf, nurses him. She appears caring and loving. A window opening and a chain with a hook are suggested in the background. The layout is symmetrical: Pero occupies the right side, Cimon the left. The black-and-white effect, with subdued light, heightens the drama. Baroque linework and hatching model the texture of the garments and the musculature.
Context
Roman charity is a motif rooted in Roman tradition and was often treated in Baroque art. The Fleming Cornelis van Caukercken worked primarily as a reproductive engraver. This print was made in the second half of the 17th century, when moralizing and historical subjects were in high demand in printmaking. Latin inscriptions at the lower margin name the artist and the theme.
Impact
The intimate yet dramatic portrayal evokes strong feelings in the viewer. The daughter's tender act and the father's expressive pose invite sympathy. The muted light and nuanced linework give the sheet a solemn, almost devotional atmosphere.
Technique
The engraving relies on precisely drawn lines and finely graded hatching that bring out tonal values and textures. The etching was executed in the engraving technique, in which the printing plate is etched, creating detailed structures and soft chiaroscuro transitions. Two states exist of the first state; the plate was therefore reworked later.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)