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Libertatis – Virginia Killed by Her Father to Protect Her from Appius Claudius

Image credit: Campion Hall, University of Oxford

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Roman legend has it that Virginia was the daughter of a centurion, Lucius Virginius. The decemvir, Appius Claudius, took a fancy to her and as a magistrate had her made over as a slave to a friend of his. Virginius had heard of this, left his camp, stabbed her to death to spare her from Appius, returned to the camp with the blooded dagger, led his colleagues to Appius and imprisoned him. Appius took his life in prison, and decemviral rule was abolished. This story was told by Livy (III, 44) and has been the subject of plays and a Lay of Ancient Rome by Macaulay. The picture shows Appius Claudius in a rather indifferent judicial position with Virginius about to stab his daughter dramatically on the right, and two ornamental retainers on the left.

Campion Hall, University of Oxford

Oxford

Title

Libertatis – Virginia Killed by Her Father to Protect Her from Appius Claudius

Date

c.1500

Medium

oil on panel

Measurements

H 24 x W 57 cm

Accession number

121

Work type

Painting

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Campion Hall, University of Oxford

Brewer Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3QS England

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