Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640). Cimon and Pero, c. 1630. The remarkable story of Cimon and Pero dates from ancient Rome. Cimon was an old man who was held prisoner and was given nothing to eat. His daughter Pero kept him alive by secretly feeding him from her breast. The story was regarded as the epitome of filial devotion and sacrifice. It is also referred to as Caritas Romana: Roman charity. Rubens portrayed the old man with loose brushstrokes, characteristic for his later work. He accentuated the contrast between this wrinkled figure and the beautiful young woman. The nosey wardens stealing a glimpse also liven up the scene. Purchased by the Mauritshuis in The Hague in 1822 from Stier van Aerstelaer collection, Antwerp, Acquired by the Rijksmuseum in exchange in 1825.