C. Fabio Dorso loopt langs de vijand om te gaan offeren 1818

Bartolomeo Pinelli created this print, “C. Fabio Dorso loopt langs de vijand om te gaan offeren,” sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Pinelli was part of a generation of artists who found inspiration in folklore and local traditions during a period of political upheaval in Europe. This print depicts a scene from Roman history where Gaius Fabius Dorso walks past enemy lines to perform a religious sacrifice, and the focus is on the tension between civic duty and religious piety. There is a sense of drama in how Dorso is framed between two groups of armed soldiers; this emphasizes his vulnerability and the weight of his decision. The print demonstrates how images can serve to define and celebrate cultural identity, drawing on historical narratives to reinforce values of courage and devotion. We are prompted to consider the relationship between personal faith, societal expectations, and the narratives that bind communities together.