Flemish school; second half of the 17th century.

Flemish school; second half of the 17th century.
"Marco Curcio".
Oil on panel.
It presents Repainting in the pictorial supervision.
Measurements: 32 x 27 cm.
Mounted on a rampant white horse, a military man holds with his left hand the baton of command, while with the other hand dominates the animal's curls. This representation takes us to the mythological story written by Titus Livius in his "Ab Urbe Condita", in which he narrates that during the 4th century B.C., the earth opened up in the Roman Forum, forming a great abyss that no one could cover again. Faced with this situation, the Roman citizens opted to turn to an oracle with the intention of asking for advice, however, the oracle declared to all the inhabitants that they should throw into it every object of value they possessed. Faced with the demands issued by the oracle, the soldier Marcus Curtius, considered his youth as his most precious asset. In this representation of the myth, we find ourselves before the moment of greatest tension and action of the legend. In it, a young man dressed in breastplate and helmet, Marco Curcio, mounted on horseback, rides towards the abyss, congregating the deities of the underworld before the testimonial gaze of the population.

Flemish Baroque painting, developed mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries in the Southern Netherlands (present-day Belgium), represents one of the most vibrant and emotive artistic expressions of the period. This style is characterized by its visual richness, dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as precision in detail. Flemish artists, such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens, fused emotional intensity with refined technique, creating works that exalted religious subjects as well as mythological scenes and portraits. Flemish Baroque painting not only served as a means of religious devotion, but also reflected the power of the Catholic Church and the growing prosperity of the bourgeoisie, consolidating a unique cultural identity in the region.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the importance of Flemish Baroque painting lies in its ability to communicate complex messages through visual expression. The dynamic compositions and mastery of color conveyed feelings of drama, spirituality and sensuality, appealing directly to the viewer's emotions. This style significantly influenced European art, serving as a bridge between the Renaissance tradition and later artistic currents. The technical mastery and innovation of Flemish artists set a point of reference for future generations, consolidating Baroque painting as an artistic legacy.