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    Object: RS 398, Paulus Pontius (1603 - 1658), Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640), Tomyris mit dem Haupt des Kyros II.
    Paulus Pontius

    Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus II

    Creation
    1630
    Dimensions
    40.4 x 58.4 cm
    Material / Technique
    paper/engraving
    Category:
    Rubens prints
    prints, photographs
    Location: R 316 Rubens Cabinet
    Engraver
    Paulus Pontius (1603 - 1658)
    Artist
    Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640)

    About the object

    While fighting a war against the Persian king Cyrus II, the son of the Massagetean queen Tomyris fell victim to a ruse and was captured. Tomyris demanded her son’s release, but before that could happen, the young man killed himself in shame. Tomyris swore revenge. After her victory over Cyrus, she is said to have dipped the king’s severed head in a vessel filled with blood. Since antiquity, Tomyris has symbolized maternal love, revenge, and the courage to defy superior forces.