Lot 176
- 176
Benjamin West, P.R.A. 1738-1820
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Benjamin West, P.R.A.
- Epponina giving bread to her husband Sabinus in concealment
- signed l.c.:B West / 1784
- oil on paper laid down on panel
- ENGRAVED: Stipple engraving by Charles Wilkin, 1st May 1794
Exhibited
Royal Academy, 1795, no.160
Literature
J. Galt, The LIfe and Works of Benjamin West, Esq., 1820, p.231;
J. Dillenberger, Benjamin West; The Context of his Life's Work, 1977, p. 180, no. 411;
H. von Erffa and A. Staley, The Paintings of Benjamin West, 1986, p.183, no.41
Catalogue Note
Sabinus was commander of a small army in Gaul, and on the death of Vitellius in 69 AD he declared himself Emperor. He was soon defeated by Vespasian's general, and was compelled to retreat to the safety of caves. He remained in hiding for nine years, attended by his faithful wife Epponina, who supplied him with provisions. She was eventually discovered delivering food, and Sabinus was captured and taken to Rome. Epponina accompanied him, and appeared before the Emperor with her two children to implore her husband's pardon. Sadly neither her tears, nor her entreaties prevailed and Sabinus was put to death.