Essence of Rome
The term Capriccio describes the style of a composition which combines real and imaginary factors in a fantasy setting. Death Leap of Marcus Curtius by Giovanni Paolo Panini makes an example of this imaginative form. Panini’s use of light, scale, perspective and juxtaposition illustrates the Roman historian Livy’s tale of Marcus Curtius. Analysing this work helps viewers understand that although the beautiful architecture of Rome inspires but, its ‘arms and valor’ were its most dear possessions.
The work showcasts a landscape full of famous Roman buildings in the background and the story of Marcus Curtius in the foreground. Intricate lines are used for sharp detail, highlighting the magnanimous importance of the buildings. …show more content…
The towering, intricate buildings remind the viewer of the iconic splendor of Rome. For the viewer this may for a moment be distracting from Curtius, however this is by design. The artist uses the overwhelming detail of the monuments to tell a story similar to the plight of the citizens of Rome. For a moment in Livy’s story, they doubt and forget their true values. But as the viewers attention turns to the golden clad Marcus Curtius, the viewer realizes which narrative the painting depicts, just as the people of Rome are reproached by Curtius and realize their mistake. Panini’s unique far-off perspective allows the viewer to see the effect of Curtius’s actions and tells a complete …show more content…
The other people of whom there are a wide variety for the most part are staring toward the main motif which draws attention to it. The difference between him and the common people allows observers to draw a connection between mythic stories and the everyday activities of citizens. All of these elements lend themselves to the tale that Panini span of the brave man who sacrificed himself for his city.
A passage by the Roman Historian Livy inspired this pictorial composition. However, there are two versions which Livy writes about Marcus Curtius. Panini chose to depict the story in which a great chasm opens in the middle of the forum. Heaven warned the Roman people that Rome’s dearest possession should be thrown in. The people hesitated, but while they did, Curtius declared that arms and valour were the most dear to the Roman people, looked down into the earth and jumped in on his
The term Capriccio describes the style of a composition which combines real and imaginary factors in a fantasy setting. Death Leap of Marcus Curtius by Giovanni Paolo Panini makes an example of this imaginative form. Panini’s use of light, scale, perspective and juxtaposition illustrates the Roman historian Livy’s tale of Marcus Curtius. Analysing this work helps viewers understand that although the beautiful architecture of Rome inspires but, its ‘arms and valor’ were its most dear possessions.
The work showcasts a landscape full of famous Roman buildings in the background and the story of Marcus Curtius in the foreground. Intricate lines are used for sharp detail, highlighting the magnanimous importance of the buildings. …show more content…
The towering, intricate buildings remind the viewer of the iconic splendor of Rome. For the viewer this may for a moment be distracting from Curtius, however this is by design. The artist uses the overwhelming detail of the monuments to tell a story similar to the plight of the citizens of Rome. For a moment in Livy’s story, they doubt and forget their true values. But as the viewers attention turns to the golden clad Marcus Curtius, the viewer realizes which narrative the painting depicts, just as the people of Rome are reproached by Curtius and realize their mistake. Panini’s unique far-off perspective allows the viewer to see the effect of Curtius’s actions and tells a complete …show more content…
The other people of whom there are a wide variety for the most part are staring toward the main motif which draws attention to it. The difference between him and the common people allows observers to draw a connection between mythic stories and the everyday activities of citizens. All of these elements lend themselves to the tale that Panini span of the brave man who sacrificed himself for his city.
A passage by the Roman Historian Livy inspired this pictorial composition. However, there are two versions which Livy writes about Marcus Curtius. Panini chose to depict the story in which a great chasm opens in the middle of the forum. Heaven warned the Roman people that Rome’s dearest possession should be thrown in. The people hesitated, but while they did, Curtius declared that arms and valour were the most dear to the Roman people, looked down into the earth and jumped in on his