Cimon en Pero 1615 - 1682

Francesco Cozza created this print, Cimon en Pero, in Rome some time in the mid-17th century. It depicts a classical story of familial devotion and defiance of social norms. The scene shows Pero breastfeeding her father, Cimon, who has been imprisoned and sentenced to death by starvation. This act of 'Roman Charity' becomes a powerful symbol. It challenges Roman law and patriarchy but also emphasizes the fundamental value of human connection and empathy. Cozza’s Rome was dominated by powerful families and the Church, institutions that upheld strict social hierarchies. To fully understand the image, one could delve into legal and social customs of 17th-century Rome and the role of women within it. By exploring such resources, we come to see this image not just as an illustration, but also as a commentary on justice, compassion, and the subversive potential of art.