Horatii And Curiatii Print Published By Johann Schöffer (approximately 1468-1531)

This unsigned print was published by Johann Schöffer (lived approximately 1468-1531) as part of a collection of illustrations inspired by ancient Roman history. In particular, the artwork draws from the writings of the historian Livy (c. 59 BCE-17 CE) to illuminate a dramatic legend about a clash between the ancient kingdom of Rome and its nearby rival community of Alba Longa. Due to archaeological findings, it is known that Alba Longa was destroyed around 600 BCE (presumably by the Roman Kingdom), but further facts and concrete details about the war are scarce. Nevertheless, stories about the conflict were preserved in Roman oral storytelling, and the dramatic and embellished tales were later written down in books by historians such as Livy.

In his History of Rome, Livy alleged that the war between Rome and Alba Longa began because of a cattle dispute—both cities were reportedly stealing the livestock of the other and neither side wanted to return the stolen property. War was eventually declared because of the issue, but before battle commenced, the leaders of the cities agreed to an odd solution—the war would be settled with a duel between chosen champions of each city. Oddly enough, both Rome and Alba Longa chose as their champions sets of triplet brothers. These juxtaposed trios were the Horatii and the Curiatii. According to Livy, there was some debate about which group of brothers belonged to which city, but most accounts of the tale placed the Horatii in the Roman camp. As added drama, legend claimed that the rival triplets were all about to be brothers-in-law before the duel occurred, because a sister of the Roman Horatii had been recently engaged to marry one of the Curiatii brothers. Emphasizing the tragic nature of the duel, the would-be groom from the Curiatii brothers was said to have shown up to the fight proudly wearing a cloak that had been lovingly made for him by his betrothed.

Both the Horatii and the Curiatii agreed to fight to the death on behalf of their homelands, and the showdown was facilitated by the construction of a special arena that was put together by the two armies. The duel, narrated dramatically by Livy, allegedly began to the sounds of trumpets and cheers; it was quite the raucous event as the fight ensued. To the horror of the Romans, their Horatii triplets began the fight terribly. The Roman brothers fell in quick succession until only one, Publius Horatius, was left alone to face all three Curiatii siblings. Nevertheless, by using expert footwork, patience, and well-placed blows, the lone Roman was able to evade his enemies until an opportune moment arrived, allowing him to counter-attack and slice through his three pursuers, dropping one after the other as they carelessly raced toward his readied blade. It is this scene of the combat between the champions that inspired the printmaker. Instead of sticking with ancient Roman gear, the artist curiously decided to equip the Horatii, Curiatii, and their respective armies in armor and weaponry from the late Middle Ages.

Armor aside, after Publius Horatius delivered the final blow to the last Curiatii opponent, the Albans were said to have agreed to make momentary peace with Rome. Yet, the bloodshed did not end there. In a disturbing epilogue to the tale, Horatius was said to have gone on to murder his sister (the one who had been engaged to marry the slain Curiatii brother) after she cried in mournful grief over the death of her slain lover. Unfortunately, the narrative praised the killer, for the theme of Livy’s tale was that Rome is more important than love and family. As told by Livy, “’Take your girl’s love,’ he shouted, ‘and give it to your lover in hell. What is Rome to such as you, or your brothers, living or dead? So perish all Roman women who mourn for an enemy!’” (History of Rome, Book I, section 26). Horatius was reportedly acquitted with almost no punishment after the murder. Ironically, the sister, her lover, and the rest of the slain brothers all died for nothing because, despite the duel, the Albans eventually resumed their hostilities against Rome. In response to the end of the truce, Rome once again went to war and this time destroyed the city of Alba Longa.

Written by C. Keith Hansley

Sources:

• The History of Rome by Livy, translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. New York: Penguin Classics, 2002.
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Horatii-and-Curiatii
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Alba-Longa
• https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/594e6d10-2e4b-0133-1534-58d385a7b928?canvasIndex=0