King Sapor of Persia Humiliating Emperor Valerian (Portrait of Emperor Charles V)

Artist School of Antwerp (Netherlandish, about 1525–1535)

Dateabout 1515–1525

Mediumoil on panel

Dimensionspanel: 36.8 x 28.6 cm (14 1/2 x 11 1/4 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

painting

Object number1934.64

Label TextThe Persian king defeated the Roman emperor Valerian in 260 C.E. and kept the emperor prisoner until his death. To humiliate his captive, the king used him as a footstool whenever mounting his horse. Christian writers cited this treatment as an example of justice, feeling that Valerian had deserved such punishment for his persecution of Christians. The subject therefore occasionally appeared in the decoration of public buildings, as well as collectible pictures such as this one, to inspire officials to wise and just governance.ProvenancePurchased by Mr. Hilder, "Collection chiefly of a Gentleman of Taste Gone to the Continent" sale, Christie’s, London, January 12–13, 1816, no. 51 (as by Dürer); Mr. Pilgrim, by 1824 (sale, London, March 5, 1824, no. 50, bought in); purchased by Mr. Crawford, "An Amateur of Fine Taste" sale, Christie’s, London, April 29, 1825, no. 33; Miss Rogers; Samuel Rogers, by 1856; purchased by Thomas Baring (1799–1873), Rogers sale, Christie’s, London, April 28–May 10, 1856, no. 44; bequeathed to his nephew, Thomas George Baring, 1st Earl of Northbrook (1826–1904); bequeathed to his son, Francis George Baring, 2nd Earl of Northbrook (1850–1929), Stratton; Colnaghi & Co., London, by 1932; sold to the Worcester Art Museum, 1934.

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