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The Legend of Cloelia

ca. 1480
Not on view
The Roman historian Plutarch (ca. 46–120 A.D.) was a favorite source for artists in seach of exemplars of virtue. In the Life of Publicola, he tells how the Romans, as part of a peace treaty, offered the Etruscan king Lars Porsena ten young noblemen and ten maidens. This event is shown on the left. Subsequently, while bathing in the Tiber, Cloelia urged her companions to escape. In the center they swim to safety and, on the right, escape through the gates of Rome. The panel, which is the front of a chest (cassone), dates from about 1480.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Legend of Cloelia
  • Artist: Guidoccio di Giovanni Cozzarelli (Italian, Sienese, 1450–1516)
  • Date: ca. 1480
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall 17 3/4 x 45 1/2 in. (45.1 x 115.6 cm); painted surface 15 1/8 x 43 1/4 in. (38.4 x 109.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1911
  • Object Number: 11.126.2
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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