Caritas Romana

Good afternoon, Hivers!

Welcome to my 24th #monomad challenge

In this post I want to share with you a sculpture I saw during my last visit to the Lisbon Tropical Botanical Garden.

The sculpture captured my attention as it involves two adults, where a woman breastfeeds an adult man.

Well, the name of this sculpture is "Roman Charity", and it is the work of a famous sculptor called Bernardino Ludovisi, who produced it in 1737. Bernardino Ludovisi is a sculptor who was hired by King João V of Portugal to provide the sculptures for the Mafra Palace Complex (source).

After a brief reading of the plaque, I realized the real reason for the composition and the "peculiar" representation. The two figures represent Pero, Cimon's daughter, who, condemned to death by starvation, breastfeeds her father, relieving his anguish and pain. The story says, or the myth, that when she was confronted by one of the guards and told the reason of her action, he interceded for Cimon to be freed, saving him from a tragic end.

How often are we capable of sacrificing ourselves for our "neighbour"? It is a question that each of us should ask ourselves... I confess that from day to day, it is something that I rarely do. Most probably because of the not so good experiences I've had. But quite honestly, it is certainly one of the indicators of human development, compassion for others and the spirit of sacrifice.

The details of the sculpture leave those who take a closer look at it fascinated and dazzled by the care and detail marked in the stone. Notice the intertwined vine leaves, or even Cimon's gaze in contemplation of his daughter's action, or even the restraints that bind the wrists of the prisoner.

Bem Hajam🍀

Photographic edition with PhotoScape X