Dood van Marcus Curtius c. 1700 - 1750

Antonio Maria Tomicelli made this print of the Death of Marcus Curtius, rendered in ink. The etching process involves drawing into a prepared ground, and then immersing the plate in acid. Here, the material qualities of ink define the image’s aesthetic: a network of fine lines creates textures of smoke, fire, and the folds of drapery. Look closely, and you can see how Tomicelli’s lines vary in weight and density, creating contrasts of light and shadow. The relatively straightforward technique allowed for the mass production of images in the early modern period, making it easier to disseminate visual narratives. As for its social significance, this print tells the story of a Roman hero sacrificing himself to save the city. Through the labor of the artist, this image, which is essentially made from tiny markings on a metal plate, embodies the virtues of courage, selflessness, and civic duty, inviting reflection on the values of the society that produced it. Considering the materials and making of artworks like this helps us appreciate their full meaning, blurring the line between craft and fine art.