Marcus Curtius c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Marcus Curtius" by Lucas Cranach the Elder. The print depicts a Roman hero sacrificing himself for the good of Rome. Editor: Immediately, I am struck by the contrast between the detailed architecture and the almost cartoonish figures. It feels slightly unsettling. Curator: Indeed. Cranach was working in a period of immense social upheaval, and this print reflects the anxiety of the time. The story of Marcus Curtius became a symbol of civic duty. Editor: The imagery is fascinating. The birds flying away, the plunging horse – it's a complex mix of freedom and sacrifice, isn't it? Curator: It speaks to the burdens of leadership and the price of power. The image circulated widely, shaping the understanding of republican ideals. Editor: Thank you. Looking at Cranach’s Marcus Curtius, I now recognize not just the sacrifice, but the visual language encoding the ethos of a changing world.