.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The reign of Tullus Hostilius, a legendary King of Rome was characterised by a series of conflicts, one of which was with the Latins of Alba Louga. It was decided to settle the war by single combat between three champions from each side. Two sets of brothers were chosen, the Horatii to represent Rome and the Curatii for the Latins.
The Curatii were wounded in battle and despite killing two of the Horatii, were defeated by the remaining one of the Horatii brothers and Rome was victorious. This brother was condemned to death for murdering his sister, when he found her mourning her lover, one of the Curatii. However, legend has it that his life was spared by appealing directly to the people.
Girtin and Bell, op.cit., p. 73, no. 375, describe the subject as 'A rectangular podium surmounted by five cones, in the left centre, with a flock of goats, a man and a mule near it; woods and distinct hills to the right'. Another drawing traditionally identified as The Tomb of the Horatii and Curatii (14 x 21 in.) is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. 406, 1885, but this drawing bears no resemblance to the Tomb.
Cozens visited Italy with Beckford in 1782.
The Curatii were wounded in battle and despite killing two of the Horatii, were defeated by the remaining one of the Horatii brothers and Rome was victorious. This brother was condemned to death for murdering his sister, when he found her mourning her lover, one of the Curatii. However, legend has it that his life was spared by appealing directly to the people.
Girtin and Bell, op.cit., p. 73, no. 375, describe the subject as 'A rectangular podium surmounted by five cones, in the left centre, with a flock of goats, a man and a mule near it; woods and distinct hills to the right'. Another drawing traditionally identified as The Tomb of the Horatii and Curatii (14 x 21 in.) is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. 406, 1885, but this drawing bears no resemblance to the Tomb.
Cozens visited Italy with Beckford in 1782.