Veturia 1893

José Garnelo painted “Veturia,” depicting a pivotal scene from Roman history. Garnelo, working in late 19th and early 20th century Spain, engages with historical narratives to reflect on contemporary values and national identity. Here, we witness Veturia confronting her son, the Roman general Coriolanus, who is leading an army to attack Rome. Garnelo captures the emotional intensity of this encounter; Coriolanus is torn between his military duty and his filial bond. Veturia, with her commanding gesture, embodies the strength and moral authority that Roman women could possess. The painting engages with the concept of motherhood, positioning Veturia as a figure whose appeal to family loyalty outweighs military ambition. It’s a powerful representation of a woman’s influence in a patriarchal society, challenging traditional narratives of warfare and heroism. Garnelo uses this emotional high point to speak to enduring themes of family, duty, and the costs of conflict.