A painting of a woman breastfeeding an old man through bars was painted by Hashir Rayan. It was sold for 30 million euros when it may seem to have an imaginary story, but what was hidden behind it touched the hearts of many and inspired.
The painting “Roman Kindness” is from the reign of King Louis XIV in France in the years 1643 – 1715. It presented Kimon, a poor man who was sentenced to death by “starvation” for stealing a loaf of bread. The only woman allowed to visit him was his daughter, Peru, who came to his cell every day, but was thoroughly checked by the guards before each entry, to make sure she did not pass food to her father.
This painting of a young woman breastfeeding an old man in a prison cell was sold for Euros 30 million. The painting may look perverse but the story behind is amazing. Thread. pic.twitter.com/G70l93pSV6
— King Melvin (@melvinnasasira) October 13, 2021
Four months later, the man remained alive and did not lose weight, despite the fact that he was sentenced to starve to death. The guards and the authorities were left confused as they suspected everyone and the possibility of any of them delivering food to the prisoner. After spying on every person who interacted with the old man, there was only one option left – the man’s daughter.
A few days later, several witnesses joined the task and began watching the old man’s camel during the daughter’s visits. To their complete astonishment, it was revealed to their eyes that the daughter was breastfeeding her father, sharing her breast milk between her toddler son and him. The woman was caught in the act and initially, a lawsuit was filed against her, but the authorities decided to spare her since the judges showed understanding for a daughter’s love and compassion for her father. It is also said that it was decided to set the man free.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the motif was used in the paintings of many European painters. Among them Peter Paul Rubens, who created several versions of the painting of the act, and the baroque artist Caravaggio. Some of the artists chose to give the story a bold and quasi-erotic interpretation, while others chose a more modest presentation.