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Sophonisba Collection

Sophonisba, the captivating character portrayed by Ann Spranger Barry in The Players Last Refuge, or The Strollers in Distress (1735

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba Receiving the Poisoned Cup, n.d. Creator: Pieter Lastman

Sophonisba Receiving the Poisoned Cup, n.d. Creator: Pieter Lastman
Sophonisba Receiving the Poisoned Cup, n.d

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Ann Spranger Barry as Sophonisba

Ann Spranger Barry as Sophonisba
ANN SPRANGER BARRY (1734 - 1801) the actress as Sophonisba in James Thomson's play of that name : she has just drunk (intentionally) a cup of poison and will shortly die, picturesquely. Date: 1778

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Mrs Ann Barry in the character of Sophonisba in James Thomsons Sophonisba

Mrs Ann Barry in the character of Sophonisba in James Thomsons Sophonisba
6337941 Mrs Ann Barry in the character of Sophonisba in James Thomsons Sophonisba by Thornthwaite, J. (18th century); (add.info)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Death of Sophonisba (engraving)

Death of Sophonisba (engraving)
654085 Death of Sophonisba (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Death of Sophonisba)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Portrait of Gian Giorgio Trissino (1478-1550) (oil on canvas)

Portrait of Gian Giorgio Trissino (1478-1550) (oil on canvas)
PWI94306 Portrait of Gian Giorgio Trissino (1478-1550) (oil on canvas) by Catena, Vincenzo di Biagio (c.1470-1531); 72.5x63.5 cm; Louvre, Paris, France; (add.info.: Italian Renaissance humanist)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: The wedding of King Massinissa of Numidia

The wedding of King Massinissa of Numidia and Sophonisba of Carthage. From a fragment of a painting found in Pompeii. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Bernieri from Giulio Ferrarios

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba receiving the Cup of Poison, c. 1640 (oil on canvas)

Sophonisba receiving the Cup of Poison, c. 1640 (oil on canvas)
827759 Sophonisba receiving the Cup of Poison, c.1640 (oil on canvas) by Preti, Mattia (Il Calabrese) (1613-99); 86x165.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Sophonisba receiving the Cup of Poison)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Death of Sophonisba (engraving)

Death of Sophonisba (engraving)
3644199 Death of Sophonisba (engraving) by Pencz, Georg (1500-50); Private Collection; (add.info.: Death of Sophonisba. Illustration from The Early Italian)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Marriage of Masinissa and Sophonisba (engraving)

Marriage of Masinissa and Sophonisba (engraving)
655655 Marriage of Masinissa and Sophonisba (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Marriage of Masinissa and Sophonisba)

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisbe (oil on canvas) (b / w photo)

Sophonisbe (oil on canvas) (b / w photo)
ALI306596 Sophonisbe (oil on canvas) (b/w photo) by Caroto, Giovanni Francesco (c.1478/82-1555); Museo del Castelvecchio, Verona, Italy; Alinari

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba, 1553. Creator: Heinrich Aldegrever

Sophonisba, 1553. Creator: Heinrich Aldegrever
Sophonisba, 1553

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Death of Sophonisba, 1890. Creator: Unknown

Death of Sophonisba, 1890. Creator: Unknown
Death of Sophonisba, 1890. From " Cassells Illustrated Universal History Vol. II - Rome", by Edmund Ollier. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris and Melbourne, 1890]

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba, 1640s. Artist: Luca Ferrari

Sophonisba, 1640s. Artist: Luca Ferrari
Sophonisba, 1640s. Sophonisba was a Carthaginian noblewoman who was captured by the Romans late in the Second Punic War. She committed suicide by drinking poison in order to avoid the humiliation of

Background imageSophonisba Collection: The death of Sophonisba. Sophonisba, Carthaginian noblewoman who poisoned herself rather than be

The death of Sophonisba. Sophonisba, Carthaginian noblewoman who poisoned herself rather than be humiliated in a Roman triumph. From Cassells Illustrated Universal History, published 1883

Background imageSophonisba Collection: after Pietro da Cortona, Masinissa and Sophonisba, black chalk

after Pietro da Cortona, Masinissa and Sophonisba, black chalk

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba - 2

Sophonisba - 2
Numidian daughter of Hasdrubal and queen of Syphax, king of the Masaesylii, renounces him and takes poison sent by her lover Massinissa, to avoid capture by the Romans. 2 of 2

Background imageSophonisba Collection: Sophonisba -1

Sophonisba -1
Numidian daughter of Hasdrubal and queen of Syphax, king of the Masaesylii, renounces him and takes poison sent by her lover Massinissa, to avoid capture by the Romans. 1 of 2


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Sophonisba, the captivating character portrayed by Ann Spranger Barry in The Players Last Refuge, or The Strollers in Distress (1735), continues to mesmerize audiences with her powerful presence. Mrs. Ann Barry flawlessly embodies Sophonisba's essence in James Thomson's play, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness her performance. In the realm of art, we find various depictions of this iconic figure. From engravings depicting the Death to oil paintings like A Captive Maiden and Scipio and Sophonista: The Triumph of Chastity, artists have sought to capture her beauty and strength on canvas. Gian Giorgio Trissino's portrait adds another layer to our understanding as it portrays an influential figure from history who played a significant role in shaping her story. This connection between real-life individuals and fictional characters adds depth to our perception of this legendary woman. The wedding ceremony between King Massinissa of Numidia and a pivotal moment that symbolizes love triumphing over political alliances. It showcases their union against all odds and highlights their unwavering commitment to each other. However, tragedy looms over Sophonisba's life as she receives the Cup of Poison in one painting while others depict her untimely demise through engravings such as Death of Sophonisba. These somber portrayals remind us that even great heroines are not immune to fate's cruel hand. Yet despite these tragic endings, artists continue to be inspired by this remarkable character throughout history. Whether it be Heinrich Aldegrever's 1553 depiction or black-and-white photographs capturing different interpretations, each artwork brings forth unique perspectives on the enduring legacy of Sophonisba. From stage performances to artistic masterpieces spanning centuries, there is no denying that Sophonisba has left an indelible mark on both literature and visual arts.