Who painted Horatius Cocles?

Horatius Cocles was painted by Italian 18th Century in 1800.

Where can I see Horatius Cocles?

Horatius Cocles is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Horatius Cocles?

Horatius Cocles is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Horatius Cocles

Italian 18th Century , 1800

Horatius Cocles is a print by the Romanticist artist Italian 18th Century. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “Horatius Cocles” is a niello print depicting a tumultuous combat scene. Dark, bold lines dominate the composition, focusing attention on a central figure poised on a wooden platform with sword and shield, while other warriors clash, fall, or flee. The medium’s characteristic black alloy creates pronounced contrast and texture, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The image illustrates the legendary Roman hero Horatius Cocles defending the Sublician Bridge, a narrative of bravery against overwhelming odds. By portraying the hero atop the bridge’s structure, the print emphasizes his resolve and the peril faced by his opponents, underscoring themes of sacrifice and civic duty.

Technique & Style

Niello, a process that fuses a dark metallic alloy into engraved metal, is employed to achieve the work’s stark tonal range. The technique’s capacity for deep blacks and fine lines aligns with the Romantic emphasis on emotional intensity, rendering the scene with a sense of immediacy and vigor.

Context

Created within the Romantic movement, the print reflects the era’s fascination with heroic history and dramatic storytelling. Romantic artists often revisited classical subjects to evoke strong feelings, and this piece follows that tradition by dramatizing a moment of ancient Roman valor.

History & Provenance

The print is catalogued as a type of print artwork, though specific details of its creation date, artist, or ownership history are not provided in the source material.