Manius Curius Dentatus Refusing the Gifts of the Samnites 1635 - 1700

This anonymous 17th-century pen and ink drawing depicts the Roman general Manius Curius Dentatus, refusing gifts from the Samnites, a people Rome was at war with. The drawing, likely done as a study for a larger artwork, showcases the dynamic poses and expressive faces of the figures. Manius, seated prominently, gestures with his right hand to refuse the offerings, while the Samnites, kneeling and standing respectively, plead their case. This artwork, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the enduring interest in Roman history and its themes of virtue and integrity.