Romeinse soldaat Marcus Curtius in wapenrusting te paard stort zich in kloof 1500 - 1527

Marcantonio Raimondi etched this print depicting the Roman soldier Marcus Curtius sometime between 1475 and 1534. Curtius, in full armor, rides his horse directly into a chasm. This act of self-sacrifice is rich with symbolism. The horse, a recurring motif throughout history, often represents vitality and power, but here, it's an offering. This echoes earlier traditions, like the Trojan Horse, where it signified both deception and a pivotal moment of sacrifice. Likewise, the chasm is a symbol of the unknown, a dark void demanding appeasement. This tale isn't isolated; similar themes echo in stories of heroes descending into the underworld, or of figures like Christ sacrificing themselves for humanity. The act resonates across cultures, revealing our collective fascination with sacrifice as a means of overcoming crisis. Raimondi's etching captures this timeless narrative, engaging our subconscious with its potent imagery.