Two paintings by Paolo Veronese

Paolo Veronese (real name: Paolo Caliari), born in Verona, 1528; died in Venice, 1588. Famous for painting large elaborate Biblical scenes, many of which were done in monasteries or churches, either on walls or ceilings. Since those obviously can’t be moved, other museums have to content themselves with smaller stuff.

Top: The Sacrificial Death of Marcus Curtius, 1550–1552. The story goes that in 362BCE, an earthquake opened a fissure right in the Roman forum. The city tried to fill it, but in vain. Augurs said that Rome would have to sacrifice its most precious possessions, but nobody knew what that meant. Then this young soldier, Marcus Curtius, announced that Roman courage and strength was the answer so, fully armed and astride his horse, he leapt into the fissure which closed immediately, saving Rome.

There was a place called Lacus Curtius (Lake Curtius) in ancient Rome: a pool of water, probably the remnant of a marshy lake that was gradually drained and built over. The above is one of the lake’s origin stories.

Bottom: The Anointment of David, 1555. David is kneeling in the centre, looking all beatific in white and gold, below the prophet Samuel in gold and blue. I’m not really sure who the rest of the people are but the colours are splendid, set off just right by the black background. Except for these two central characters, everybody is dressed to the nines in the latest Venetian fashions.