Frans Wouters Lier 1612 (?) - 1659 Antwerp

In the collection of the present owners for over fifty years.

The subject of Cloelia and Her Companions Escaping from the Etruscans is recounted by Livy in his History of Rome (chapter 2, verse 13). Cloelia was among ten daughters and sons of patrician Roman families given as hostages to Lars Porsena following a treaty between Rome and the Etruscan King. She made her escape along with some companions by crossing the Tiber on horseback, only to be returned to her captor by the Romans. In admiration of Cloelia's courage however, Porsena presented her with a horse and granted her freedom.