CIRCA 1530-1540

The R· on the shield appears to be preceded by part of the letter Q (obscured by the break), and presumably forms the latter part of S.P.Q.R. (Senatus Populusque Romanus). The scene represents the moment when the renegade Roman general Coriolanus, who had been banished for joining the Volsci (a people he had previously campaigned against), returned to Rome at the head of the Volsci army. Coriolanus's wife and mother met him outside the city with his two young sons to successfully persuade him not to sack the city. Coriolanus was executed for treason when he returned to the Volsci.