This next post is another copy in graphite of a drawing in black chalk by Peter Paul Rubens. It is a study of arms or perhaps studies of arms. In the book I’m drawing from the original is described as “Studies for a Painting of the Death of Decius Mus”. In the Victoria and Albert Museum, it is titled “Studies of Arms and a Man’s Face”. It is hard to see the man’s face in both the original and my copy. I’m not sure why I wanted to point that out. Since I have talked about Peter Paul Rubens in earlier posts, so I guess I’ll talk briefly about Decius Mus. I took the liberty of decoding the description ‘Death of Decius Mus’ and concluded that either he or she did in fact die. But since the imaginary people that I believe read these posts demand to know more, I shall provide them with more. The following information was taken from the website thehistorianshut.com which I guess means either ‘The Historian’s Hut’ or ‘The Historian Shut’. Like maybe the historian’s name is ‘Shut’. Not to be confused with ‘The Historian Slut’ who ‘knew’ countless historical figures. The following information was researched by the historian C. Keith Hansley. I can only imagine what the ‘C’ stands for.
I’m not sure why I wanted to point that out.
During the campaign of 340 BCE, Titus Manlius Imperiosus Torquatus and Publius Decius Mus were present on the battlefield when Romans and Latins met in a lopsided conflict. As Publius Decius Mus’ group struggled during the battle, he fought with more boldness and disregard for his own safety. Decius fully embraced the role of human sacrifice. A nearby priest conducted an improvised ritual to devote himself to the gods after he slipped away from the frontline. While the battle raged, Decius was believed to be wearing a purple toga, standing on a spear, and reciting a long drawn-out speech about offering himself to the gods. As a result, the preparations were finished, and the sacrifice could begin. Publius Decius Mus, however, would not end his life like a sacrificial animal. Instead, with his weapon in hand, he charged into battle against the Latins, fighting to the death. After Publius Decius Mus was killed in battle, the momentum generated by his charge lessened, but Titus Manlius Torquatus was able to swoop in and lead the Romans to victory. After the battle, the Romans buried Decius as a hero.
