Scipio beweent Carthago 1797

"Scipio beweent Carthago" is a black and white etching by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman, dating back to 1797. The artwork depicts a scene from Roman history. The Roman general Scipio Africanus, known for his role in the destruction of Carthage, is shown mourning the fallen city alongside an elder. The scene takes place in the ruins of Carthage, with the city’s architecture visible in the background. The etching’s dramatic composition and emotive figures highlight the tragedy of war and destruction. The piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a fine example of 18th-century printmaking.