The Continence of Scipio, Karel van Mander (I), 1600
The Roman general Scipio has just captured New Carthage. Standing among the prisoners of war is a young woman, part of Scipio’s spoils. However he displays magnanimity. When her family and fiancé come to buy her freedom, he lets her go for free and unharmed. Van Mander created depth by painting the figures in the foreground in bright colours, while the background is less vivid.