The Reduction of Alba Longa by Tullus Hostilius 1435

Lo Scheggia painted 'The Reduction of Alba Longa by Tullus Hostilius', on panel, sometime in the 15th century, during a period of immense cultural and artistic transformation. It depicts a historic moment, a violent siege of a town. But it also reflects the values and beliefs of Renaissance Florence, where power and civic pride were often glorified through art. The painting’s focus on warfare and conquest underscores the historical importance of military strength in shaping political landscapes. The scene is bustling with soldiers, horses, and the trappings of war, offering insight into the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity and the visual language of power. Amidst the chaos of battle, we can see themes of identity and community being played out. On one side there is an invading army and on the other a town that is being destroyed. The painting asks us to consider the human cost of conflict and the ways in which societies define themselves through opposition. Through the artistic lens of Lo Scheggia, it asks us to reflect on the legacies of conflict and the enduring human quest for power and recognition.