Masinissa and Sophonisba
1551 to 1600
Medium
black chalk
Dimensions
Overall: 20.9 x 31.4 cm (8 1/4 x 12 3/8 in.) support: 36.6 x 47.6 cm (14 7/16 x 18 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Julius S. Held Collection
Accession Number
1985.1.28
Art Historical Context
Behold *Masinissa and Sophonisba*, a captivating black chalk drawing from the Julius S. Held Collection at the National Gallery of Art. Created after the renowned Baroque master Pietro da Cortona (1596–1669), this work dates to between 1551 and 1600, capturing a dramatic moment from ancient history. It depicts the Numidian king Masinissa and the Carthaginian beauty Sophonisba, whose tragic romance during the Second Punic War inspired countless artists. In the story, Sophonisba, to evade Roman capture, drinks poison offered by her new husband Masinissa—a tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal that...