The young Roman throws himself in the adornment of his arms, on noble steeds, brandishing a flag, into the mysterious gorge with the words: "There is nothing better in Rome than weapons and heroism." (The ravine on the forum should close only if "the best good in Rome" was thrown in.) The circular ravine and the hero's youth on horseback in front of the edge of the picture. To the left of it a group of noble Romans with women. The scene is a varied hilly landscape with architectures right behind.
Source: Lempertz Auction, Old Master Paintings, Porcelain / Faience, Catalog 403, Lot 39
Provenance
Arthur Maier Collection, Carlsbad (died 1935), Marianne Matella, Carlsbad (legitimate heir); Auction 1939 by the auction house Lempertz, Cologne; [...]; whereabouts unknown
