Wies, Landkreis Weilheim-Schongau, Bavaria “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth” (Genesis 9:13-16). - The Bible

    François Boucher (French, 1703-1770) The Brunette Odalisque, 1745 Musée du Louvre, Paris Exposition L'Empire des sens, musée Cognacq-Jay, Paris

    José Garnelo y Alda (Spanish, 1866-1944) The family Scipio Cornelio, n.d. Depicted in the present painting is Cornelia, daughter of the Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus ("Conqueror of Africa"), hero of the Second Punic War, with her sons Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. Well-respected for her learning and her virtue, Cornelia was devoted to her two sons and assisted with their education when they were young. Both went on to have political careers during the Roman Republic, and Cornelia continued to support them even when they backed legislation that sought to transfer land from wealthy landowners to poorer citizens, in effect revolting against the aristocratic class to which they belonged. Cornelia retired outside of Rome when both Tiberius and Gaius were murdered by members of the Roman Senate because of their radical views. Over the centuries, Cornelia was considered a model Roman matron; at times the emphasis was placed on her education and abilities, and at other times on her maternal devotion. The present work is a combination of both, presenting her as a mother and riveting teacher.