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Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus, c. 1637-1638. Creator: Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)
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Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus, c. 1637-1638. Creator: Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)
Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus, c. 1637-1638. This subject is oddly related to that seen on the other side of the sheet: both feature a severed head, the result of an act of revenge by a powerful woman. The story of Queen Tomyris is a rare one in northern European art. Tomyris ruled a central Asian tribe and her son died while held captive by Cyrus, the king of Persia. Years later, Tomyris avenged her sons death when her armies defeated the Persians in battle and she found Cyruss body and cut off the head. Rubens probably took the story from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus (about 484-425 BC)
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Media ID 19647781
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1577 1640 Antwerp School Pen And Brown Ink Peter Paul Rubens Peter Paul Rubens Flemish
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece, "Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus" created between 1637-1638. The subject matter is intriguingly connected to another artwork on the reverse side of the sheet, as both depict a severed head symbolizing an act of revenge by a formidable woman. This particular piece sheds light on the remarkable story of Queen Tomyris, which is rarely depicted in northern European art. Queen Tomyris ruled over a tribe in central Asia and tragically lost her son while he was held captive by Cyrus, the powerful king of Persia. Years later, driven by grief and determination for justice, Tomyris led her armies into battle against the Persians and emerged victorious. In a chilling act of retribution, she discovered Cyrus's lifeless body and decisively severed his head. Rubens likely drew inspiration from ancient Greek historian Herodotus when depicting this tale that dates back to 484-425 BC. His masterful use of pen and brown ink combined with black and red chalk brings this dramatic scene to life. As part of Heritage Art's collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, this print preserves Rubens' Flemish Baroque style for generations to come. It serves as a testament to his artistic genius while honoring an extraordinary historical event through visual storytelling.
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