Marcus Curtius 1529

Master I.B.'s engraving, *Marcus Curtius*, crafted around 1529, presents a legendary Roman hero. The story goes that a chasm appeared in the Roman Forum, and the oracle declared it would only close if Rome sacrificed its most valuable asset. Marcus Curtius, interpreting this as valor, rode his horse into the abyss, thus saving Rome. This image comes from a time of great social upheaval. The Reformation challenged existing hierarchies and beliefs. There was also a burgeoning interest in classical antiquity, a means to imagine new political futures. Master I.B.'s work is part of this revival, but also reflects a cultural moment grappling with ideals of heroism, sacrifice, and the body. Here, Curtius is portrayed nude, an idealized form harking back to classical sculpture. Yet, this idealization occurs in the midst of sacrifice and duty. The emotional tension between selflessness and the sensuality of the body invites us to consider the complex negotiations of identity and power in the Renaissance. How do societal expectations shape individual action?