Lot 2: A monument to the Curatii near Albano, Italy

Jacob More (1740-1793) A monument to the Curatii near Albano, Italy signed and inscribed 'Rome. 1787' and further inscribed, signed and dated 'Monument of the Battle between the Horatii and Curatii near Albano/Jacob More, Rome, 1787' (on label on reverse) (according to Walpole Society entry) pencil and watercolour 21 x 28¾ in. (53.3 x 73 cm.)

London, Fine Art Society,
Watercolours 1780-1950
, 1978, no. 52.

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The town of Albano, or Alba Longa, is said to have been founded by Ascanius, son of the Trojan hero Aeneas. It is found on the Via Appia, which was lined by the great tombs of Roman families. This unusual monument was believed to be the tomb of the Curatii. These three brothers were descended from Ascanius' settlers, and fought a duel with three Roman brothers, the Horatii, to decide the outcome of the war between the settlers and the indigenous Romans. More's contemporaries were profoundly impressed by such examples of civic virtue, and works such as this catered to the fascination with Rome and the remnants of the classical past. The tomb believed to be that of the Horatii brothers was further along the Via Appia.

For a note on the artist see lot 3.