4632 Pietro Testa (1611–1650) – The Suicide of the Philosopher Cato / Il suicidio del filosofo Catone – Etching (1648)
This emotionally charged etching by Pietro Testa portrays the dramatic final act of Marcus Porcius Cato the Younger, a Roman statesman and Stoic philosopher. Cato is shown reclining on a bed, in the act of disembowelment, surrounded by horrified onlookers—his friends and followers—who witness his stoic defiance in the face of tyranny. The composition is rich in classical architectural elements, including columns and drapery, and features a Latin inscription drawn from Plutarch’s “Life of Cato”, emphasizing the philosophical and moral weight of the scene.
Pietro Testa (1611–1650) was an Italian painter and printmaker associated with the Roman Baroque. Known for his intellectual rigor and classical themes, Testa’s etchings often explored the tension between human suffering and philosophical transcendence. His life ended tragically—he drowned in the Tiber River under mysterious circumstances, possibly by suicide.
Artist or Maker:
Pietro Testa
Dimensions:
28 cm x 41 cm
Medium:
Etching
Date:
1648
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 25% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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