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.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1484 - 1551
Full title
Marcia
Date made
about 1519
Medium and support
Oil on canvas and Sundeala board, transferred from wood
Dimensions
92.1 x 53.3 cm
Acquisition credit
Acquired by application of the 1956 Finance Act, 1965
Inventory number
NG6369
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Classical Heroines from a Sienese Bedchamber
