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

Triumphs of Caesar (scene 7)

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

This scene shows prisoners and standard bearers, buffoons and soldiers. Even as prisoners the buffoons play the fool and entertain the procession. In his depiction of this scene, Vasari was particularly impressed by the small boy who turns to his mother in pain because he has a thorn in his foot.

This badly damaged canvas was completely over-painted during the 18th century.




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