Cloelia Crossing the Tiber
c. 1540
Medium
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image/sheet, trimmed within platemark: 29.3 × 42.5 cm (11 9/16 × 16 3/4 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
111997
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Plutarch’s early history of Rome recounts the bravery of Cloelia, who was one of several hostages held by the Etruscans during peace negotiations. Cloelia lead a group of women in their escape away from the Clusium camp and across the Tiber river. With dramatic contrast, Giulio di Antonio Bonasone engraved flourishing dresses and swirling waters in the foreground and closely parallel lines in the shadowy background to heighten the excitement of the rescue. The sculptural effect of the light and...
About the Artist
Giulio Bonasone · 1500–1600
Comment on works: History; Mythology