MANTEGNA, Andrea
(b. 1431, Isola di Carturo, d. 1506, Mantova)

Triumphs of Caesar (scene 3)

1485-95
Tempera on canvas, 267 x 278 cm
Royal Collection, Hampton Court

This scene shows trophies and bearers of containers filled with coins. The containers filled with gold illustrate the material gains of conquest. The enormous vase on the chariot bears stylised oriental lettering, thus indicating Caesar's conquests in the Near East. In the centre of this painting stands a soldier sunk in melancholy reflection.




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