The Legend of the Infant Servius Tullius 1507 - 1553

Bonifacio Veronese created 'The Legend of the Infant Servius Tullius' with oil on canvas. Notice how the composition is divided into thirds, and yet united by a continuous architectural plane. On the left, a domestic interior, at the center, a public courtyard, and to the right an open balcony, each space populated by figures in classical attire. This arrangement creates a stage-like setting. The figures, rendered in soft colors and gentle forms, animate the scene with a sense of narrative flow, inviting us to piece together the story. The soft gradations of light and shadow, typical of Venetian painting, give depth to the figures and spaces. The work's horizontal format and frieze-like composition encourage us to read the painting sequentially, like chapters in a book. This structure, however, destabilizes the singular narrative, opening up multiple interpretations.