Sophonisba der Künigin Numidarum · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: Sophonisba der Künigin Numidarum
Subject: Masinissa; Laelius; Important Women; Famous Women; Important Queens; Sophonisba
Period: 1500-1550;
Geographic: Modern day Algeria; Numidia
Description: Masinissa, the king of Numidia is depicted on the left side of the engraving speaking with a man named Laelius. Laelius is depicted pointing at Masinissa as he reproaches him for marrying a captive of the Romans. Not able to disobey Laelius, Masinissa ordered a servant to give Sophonisba, his wife, a cup of diluted poison. Sophonisba is depicted on the right side of the engraving willingly drinking the poison. The servant in front of Sophonisba looks astonished at how willingly she drank the poison.
Image Creator: Joerg Breu (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut Engraving
Identifier: mta:18394
Language: ger
Source Name: Ein schöne Cronica oder Hystoribuch von den fürnämlichsten Weybern [A beautiful chronicle or history book of reputable women]
Parent Collection: 1543 Stayner; 1543 Stayner
Image: mta_18394_OBJ.jpg
Collection: Early Modern Women
Subject: Masinissa; Laelius; Important Women; Famous Women; Important Queens; Sophonisba