The wounder soldier Scipio in the centre surrounded by figures 1531 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone created this print, "The Wounded Soldier Scipio," around the mid-16th century. It depicts Scipio, the Roman general, wounded and surrounded by concerned soldiers. Note the motif of the wounded hero, a recurring symbol in art and mythology across cultures and throughout history. This echoes the suffering god or hero, a figure of sacrifice and renewal, seen from ancient Mesopotamian myths to the Christian narrative of Christ. Consider the facial expressions and gestures of the figures surrounding Scipio. Their concern and solicitude echo the gestures found in depictions of the Lamentation of Christ. This act of mourning and care speaks to something deeply ingrained in our collective psyche. It evokes a powerful sense of empathy and shared humanity. The symbol of the wounded hero is not static; it evolves, adapting to new contexts and cultural needs. In Bonasone's print, it serves to ennoble Scipio, infusing his military persona with a sense of vulnerability and shared human experience, transforming him into a figure of lasting cultural resonance.