De Thamyri Scytharvm Regina · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: De Thamyri Scytharvm Regina
Subject: Queen; Scythians; Pride; Defeat; Thamyris
Period: 1500-1550;
Geographic: Scythia
Description: Thamyris, on the right, was the famous queen of Scythia. Cyrus, ruler of Asia Minor, was conquered by Thamyris’s armies after killing many of her men, including her son. Cyrus was killed in the defeat, and Thamyris had his head cut off. In the image, Thamyris places Cyrus’ head (center of the image) in a leather bag with the blood of her men, so that he would forever be surrounded in the blood he desired. Around her are the bodies of Cyrus’ defeated army, and one of her men (left of Thamyris) helping her place the head in the bag. In the background are the survivors of her army which defeated Cyrus.
Image Creator: Jakob Kallenberg (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut engraving
Identifier: mta:18564
Language: lat
Source Name: Ioannis Boccatii de Certaldo Insigne Opvs de Claris Mulieribus
Parent Collection: 1539 Apiarius; 1539 Apiarius
Image: mta_18564_OBJ.png
Collection: Early Modern Women
Subject: Queen; Scythians; Pride; Defeat; Thamyris