School of Antwerp: King Shapur of Persia Humiliating Emperor Valerian (1515-25)

 

(Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, USA)

A painting made by an unknown Flemish artist. This painting shows a popular Christian legend regarding the Roman emperor Valerian. The Sasanian King Shapur I managed to defeat and captureValerian in 260 C.E. and kept the emperor prisoner until his death. According to Christian legends, Shapur used Valerian 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. This painting is a portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V who is shown here as Shapur. Painting from 1515-1525.