Dood van Sophonisbe 1796

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman created this print depicting 'The Death of Sophonisbe'. The story of Sophonisbe became popular during the late 18th and early 19th century and the print reflects the prevailing fascination with classical antiquity during the Neoclassical period. Sophonisbe, a noblewoman of Carthage, faced a dire choice between Roman captivity and death. Rather than submit to the humiliation of being paraded as a prisoner of war, she chose to drink poison, displaying agency over her own destiny. Her story resonated in a time of revolutionary upheaval, embodying themes of resistance against tyranny. Yet, her choice also reflects a complex negotiation of gender and power. Portman's depiction invites us to contemplate the limited options available to women in positions of power. Ultimately, the print serves as a reminder of the powerful, yet often constrained roles women play in shaping historical narratives.