Cimon and Pero 1625 - 1705

"Cimon and Pero" is an etching created by an anonymous artist sometime between 1625 and 1705. This artwork depicts a scene from Roman mythology, showing Cimon, a man chained and condemned to death, being nourished by his daughter Pero. This print is part of a larger series of etchings that were likely made to be sold as single sheets or bound together as an album. The etching technique creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the figures' expressive gestures and emphasizing the contrast between Cimon's emaciated form and Pero's strong physique. The dramatic use of light and shadow further adds to the emotional impact of the scene. Now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this etching is a powerful example of the use of visual storytelling in art.