Striding Roman Warrior c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Pietro Antonio Novelli's "Striding Roman Warrior." Novelli was an Italian painter and printmaker active in the 18th century. Editor: There's a theatrical drama to it. The warrior's pose, the flowing cloak, it almost feels like a stage performance. Curator: That's insightful. Novelli was associated with the theater in Venice. He designed sets and costumes. The way he uses ink wash does suggest movement and light. Editor: The cross-hatching emphasizes the figure's musculature, but his open gesture seems to ask, what are we really fighting for? Curator: Well, in the 18th century, there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Works like this reinforced ideas about civic virtue and military prowess. Editor: But it also brings up the costs of war, the individuals caught in the crossfire. Even in this idealized form, we can still see the weight of conflict. Curator: A potent reminder that art, even when seemingly celebratory, can spark reflection on power and its consequences. Editor: Precisely, and that’s why revisiting these works is crucial. It allows us to question the narratives they uphold.