Giovanni Paolo Panini, The Death Leap of Marcus Curtius

1730-40, painting, oil on canvas

 

Italian artist Giovanni Panini is known for his imaginative compositions of classical Roman architecture. His historical scenes are often set in idealized landscapes with ancient ruins, as in this painting depicting a great hero from Roman legend.

According to the ancient historian Livy, in 362 BCE a chasm opened in the Roman Forum, a public square in the center of Rome. It could only be closed by sacrificing Rome’s greatest treasure, a conundrum that confused more Romans but was understood by the young soldier Marcus Curtius to be the bravery of its people. As seen here, Marcus Curtius, shown in full armor on his rearing horse and dwarfed by the surrounding architecture, is about to sacrifice himself by leaping into the abyss. The same subject, differently treated, can be seen in a painting by the nineteenth-century French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, on view on the third floor.

 

WHAT AM I HEARING?

This soundscape narrates the story of Marcus Curtius, tracking the explosions of the chasm opening in the Forum, and the chaos as Roman Citizens struggled to respond. The sound of a horse rearing can be heard, to mark Curtius’ realization and decision to sacrifice himself. The end of the soundscape features quiet and nostalgic Italian music, honoring the heroism of Marcus Curtius in the legend.