Faithful unto Death: 'Christianae ad Leones!’ (Exhibited in 1888) by Herbert Gustave Schmalz (known as Herbert Carmichael after 1918) (English, 1856-1935), oil on canvas, 65 x 45 in. (165 x 114 cm.), Private Collection
Signed 'Herbert Carmichael' (lower right) and inscribed in the artist's hand '2"Christianae ad Leones !"The Sect who were first called Christians at Antioch had/that day born good witness to their faith, in Rome. There in/the fierce glare of the Arena, waiting for the end./Waiting, under the pitiless eyes of a blood-thirsty multitude, from Senator and patrician dame, to low baffoon & parisite. Waiting, till fear becomes/hope, & shame grows shameless before the promise of Death!"/Herbert Schmalz, 49 Addison Road, Kensington, London.' (on an old label on the reverse)
