Coriolanus before the Women of Rome c. late 1780s

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison rendered this drawing, "Coriolanus before the Women of Rome," using pen and brown ink with wash, achieving a delicate balance of line and shadow. The sepia tones give the scene a classical feel, even a sense of antiquity. The composition is structured around a central cluster of figures—Coriolanus and the women of Rome—their gestures and drapery rendered with fluid lines. Bison uses the wash to create depth, modeling the forms and directing the eye to the emotional heart of the scene. The figures kneeling add a poignant layer, emphasizing the plea for mercy and evoking a sense of pathos. Structurally, Bison uses the architectural elements on the left to frame the figures and create a stage-like setting. This attention to compositional arrangement underscores the theatricality of the moment. The linear quality of the drawing is not just descriptive but also expressive, conveying the emotional tension inherent in this encounter. This interplay of line, tone, and composition creates a compelling visual narrative, inviting us to contemplate themes of power, mercy, and the role of women in shaping history.