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The Introduction of the Cult of Cybele at Rome

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This picture was part of a classical-style frieze made for Francesco Cornaro, a Venetian nobleman, in celebration of his ancestors, the ancient Roman Cornelia family. Mantegna painted the figures to look as though they are carved from stone, not painted, and set against colourful marble. In 204 BC the Romans introduced the goddess Cybele to the city for worship. On the far left we see the goddess – she is represented by the spherical stone on the litter. According to the Roman writer Juvenal, she fell to earth as a meteor. Mantegna has included a sculpted bust of Cybele beside it. Cornaro’s ancestor Publius Scipio Cornelius Nasica was chosen – as the worthiest man in Rome – to officially receive the goddess. Mantegna planned and prepared another four canvases, but completed only this one before his death in 1506.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Introduction of the Cult of Cybele at Rome

Date

1505-6

Medium

Glue on linen

Measurements

H 76.5 x W 273 cm

Accession number

NG902

Acquisition method

Bought, 1873

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

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