Marcus Curius Dentatus refuses the gifts of the Samnites
Govert Flinck·1656
Historical Context
Govert Flinck's Marcus Curius Dentatus Refuses the Gifts of the Samnites from 1656 was painted for Amsterdam's new Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) as part of its ambitious decorative program celebrating republican virtues. The subject of the Roman hero who rejected bribes served as a moral exemplar for Amsterdam's civic leaders. Flinck, another successful Rembrandt pupil, was initially awarded the entire Town Hall commission, but his death in 1660 led to the work being distributed among several painters, including Rembrandt.
Technical Analysis
The monumental composition employs a classicizing style appropriate to the civic setting, with clearly arranged figures in Roman costume. Flinck's technique shows the smooth, polished finish and lighter palette he developed after moving away from Rembrandt's darker, more expressive manner.
