De zelfopoffering van Marcus Curtius 1818

Bartolomeo Pinelli's 1818 etching, "De zelfopoffering van Marcus Curtius", depicts the Roman hero Marcus Curtius sacrificing himself to save his city. In this dramatic scene, Curtius, mounted on horseback, rides into a chasm that has opened in the Roman Forum. The flames erupting from the chasm symbolize the danger that threatens Rome. This artwork, a fine example of Neoclassical Romanticism, demonstrates Pinelli's mastery of detail and ability to portray a moment of great historical significance. The artwork's focus on the heroic sacrifice of Curtius reflects the admiration for ancient Roman values that characterized the period.