Cimon door Pero gevoed (Caritas Romana) c. 1735

Curator: Gosh, my first impression is that this image gives me such a poignant feeling, a somberness, and also a bit unsettling given the scene in play. It’s not something you encounter often. Editor: This engraving by Jacques Philippe Le Bas, made around 1735, depicts "Roman Charity," or "Cimon door Pero gevoed (Caritas Romana)." It's quite fascinating how this relatively small engraving evokes such strong emotional reactions even today. Curator: It's the stark contrast, isn't it? The darkness of the prison, the emaciated old man in chains, contrasted with this almost luminous tenderness in the daughter’s face and act. There's an intensity to it. Editor: The legend of Roman Charity was popular through the ages, wasn't it? A political critique of justice and human nature? Curator: Absolutely, it raises such questions. The visual symbolism is direct; in a cruel world where compassion is scarce, blood becomes literally thicker than water. The guard witnessing through the door amplifies the theme of imprisonment, suggesting that human kindness itself might be captive, viewed from the outside, and not really accessible. Editor: Exactly! The fact that this scene is set within the walls of a prison turns familial love into an act of rebellion against authority, and a critique against moral degradation. The gaze that Jacques Philip Le Bas creates goes beyond a mere illustration of the story; it asks us to consider who the true prisoners are. The restrained lines, and the overall composition, channel an era when stories weren't merely tales but reflections of contemporary societal anxieties and aspirations. Curator: Agreed. And for the artwork's viewer too. It's not easy watching this scene and coming to terms with the issues presented in this powerful tableau. Editor: So true. A grim reminder, rendered beautifully and disturbing still.