The Continence of Scipio 2012

Alexander Roitburd's "The Continence of Scipio" (2012) is a striking oil painting that depicts a figure with an elongated, misshapen nose. The figure's body is rendered in a fleshy, almost grotesque manner, and the overall composition is both unsettling and humorous. The artist is known for his provocative works that challenge traditional notions of beauty and morality. The painting's title is a reference to the Roman general Scipio Africanus, who was renowned for his virtue and self-control. Roitburd's use of the historical anecdote to portray a figure so obviously flawed suggests a critical commentary on contemporary society and its ideals. The painting's unsettling and humorous tone, combined with its historical reference, makes it a thought-provoking and engaging work of art.