Marcus Curtius Possibly 1602 - 1612

Lucas van Haelwech created this print of Marcus Curtius using the exacting technique of engraving. Lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The process itself demands considerable skill. Note the incredible detail van Haelwech achieved, particularly in the rendering of texture, like the horse's muscular form and flowing mane. Consider also the social context of printmaking. It was a technology that enabled the wide distribution of images, taking them far beyond the circles of wealthy patrons. Here, the story of Marcus Curtius, who sacrificed himself for Rome, becomes accessible to a much broader audience. And the act of engraving itself involved physical labor. Each line represents time spent with the burin, meticulously shaping the metal. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, the hand-made quality of this print offers a potent reminder of human skill, dedication, and the stories we tell through crafted images.