Francesco Furini
Semiramis, c. 1640-1645, oil on canvas
The painting depicts the story of Semiramis who, informed of babylons rebellion, sets off to conquer it interrupting her maidservants as they were attending to her. Knowing Horne’s interest for 14th and 15th century painting, it could be supposed he bought this work and its companion piece depicting Lot’s wife exhibited on the opposite wall, not for his collection but as an investment tied to a sale that did not take place.
