Lupercalia by Andrea Camassei 1635

This Roman holiday was celebrated on February 15, annually.

"It was, namely, the festival of the Lupercalia, of which many write that it was anciently celebrated by shepherds, and has also some connection with the Arcadian Lycaea. At this time many of the noble youths and of the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. And many women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped to an easy delivery, and the barren to pregnancy. These ceremonies Caesar was witnessing, seated upon the rostra on a golden throne, arrayed in triumphal attire."

-Plutarch, The Life of Julius Caesar

Lupercalia by Andrea Camassei 1635

Source:

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camasei-lupercales-prado.jpg

Quote:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupercalia

https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Caesar*.html#61