Cimon seated against a column at right, suckling from Pero who is kneeling next to him

Art Historical Context

This intimate engraving from 1544 captures the Roman legend of "Caritas Romana," or Roman Charity. The scene shows the elderly prisoner Cimon seated against a column, sustained by his devoted daughter Pero, who kneels to nurse him. Created by the German brothers Sebald and Barthel Beham—leading members of the so-called "Little Masters"—the work exemplifies the refined small-scale printmaking that flourished in 16th-century Nuremberg. These tiny sheets, measuring just 7 by 5 centimeters, were designed for private contemplation and collecting rather than public display. Executed in engraving, a technique prized for its precise lines and tonal subtlety, the print reveals the Behams’ mastery of Northern Renaissance draftsmanship. Their style blends the detailed naturalism of Albrecht Dürer with elegant, compact compositions suited to the miniature format. The second state of three indicates careful refinement during production, underscoring the artists’ attention to narrative clarity. Beyond its technical finesse, the subject celebrates filial piety and selfless love, themes that resonated deeply in Renaissance Europe. By rendering this dramatic act of charity in such a delicate medium, the Behams transformed a moral exemplum into an object of quiet reflection, inviting viewers to ponder devotion across generations.

About the Artist

Sebald Beham|Barthel Beham · 1500–1550

Sebald Beham (1500–1550), a pioneering German printmaker and painter born in Nuremberg, emerged as one of the most prolific artists of the Northern Renaissance. The elder brother of fellow artist Barthel Beham, he grew up in a milieu steeped in artistic tradition, though details of his early training remain sparsely documented. Recorded as a journeyman painter (Malergeselle) by 1521 and a master w...