Marcus Curius Dentatus weigert de geschenken van de Samnieten 1794

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman created this print, “Marcus Curius Dentatus Refusing the Gifts of the Samnites,” sometime before his death in 1828. It reflects the values of the late 18th and early 19th centuries when it was made. The print depicts a Roman leader, Dentatus, who is known for his incorruptibility. This scene illustrates a moment of moral fortitude: Dentatus refuses bribes from the Samnites, reinforcing the idea of Roman virtue and integrity. The composition invites us to consider the narratives of power and ethics. How do we understand integrity in an era marked by political and social upheaval? The men surrounding Dentatus watch, perhaps surprised at the rejection of such finery. The gifts represent more than material wealth; they are symbols of power, influence, and the potential corruption that comes with them. It encourages us to reflect on the choices we face, both personally and collectively. Are we able to resist the allure of easy gains in favor of a more principled path?