In Scipio Africanus Freeing Massiva (painting), how is the Historical context discussed?
During the 18th century the French took the lead as culture makers in Europe. The French courts lead the way in fashion, art and thought and most of Europe looked towards them as the strongest example of culture. As in the renaissance the world of art was fascinated by the ‘ancients’, with Ancient Roman history and culture being looked back upon and reflected in the art world. The French Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture (royal academy of painting and sculpture) founded in 1648 was a leading force in the production of art and had a strong impact on the rest of Europe. The 18th century was also a time of huge global exploration and trade making ‘exotic’ places such as Asia and Africa points of interest and fascination. This fascination with the exotic and the power of holding knowledge of the world outside of Europe was not found only in France, but can be seen all over Europe, including in Italy.
The original placement and patron of Scipio Africanus Freeing Massiva is unknown and so the reasons for the commissioning of the work remains unclear however looking at the image with ideas of material culture in mind it is possible to extrapolate at least the meanings that the patron wished to portray by the commissioning of the work. The fascination with Roman history and the prestige of history painting, especially in the French academy, means that this painting would probably have been held in high regard.
The decision to depict Scipio Africanus himself, however, gives the deepest insight into the meanings of the image. Scipio gained his fame in Rome through his exploration and conquering of areas of Africa for the Roman Republic. Scipio is here depicted as the benevolent and powerful conqueror, physically being raised above the other figures of the image and is the only figure to penetrate the upper third of the composition. Scipio's exploration of and power over the African continent has been used here to reflect and show off the patron's power and worldly knowledge.
history painting Scipio Ancient Roman Rome Roman Republic material culture Scipio Africanus Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture renaissance commissioning