Marcia

Marcia was the wife of Cato, who ceded her to his friend Hortensius. After Hortensius' death, she returned to Cato.

Both this painting and 'Tanaquil' are part of a series of works representing famous women of antiquity. Like Mantegna's 'The Vestal Virgin Tuccia with a Sieve' and 'A Woman Drinking' they were no doubt incorporated into the furniture of a room.

The costumes and hair-styles suggest the approximate dating for this work.