Description
The painting "Curius Dentatus Preferring Turnips to Gold" is a masterpiece by the Dutch artist Govert Teunisz Flinck. The painting was painted in 1656 and measures 480 x 370 cm, making it one of the artist's largest works.
The painting shows the Roman general Curius Dentatus sitting in his tent while eating turnips. At the bottom of the painting several Roman soldiers can be seen bringing gold and other treasures to Curius Dentatus, but he turns them away, preferring to eat their turnips instead.
Flinck's artistic style is distinctly Baroque, with great attention to detail and dramatic use of chiaroscuro. The composition of the painting is very balanced, with Curius Dentatus in the center surrounded by soldiers and treasures. The use of color is very effective, with the golden tones of the gold contrasted with the greens and whites of the turnips.
The story behind the painting is interesting. Curius Dentatus was a Roman general who lived in the 3rd century BC. He was known for his frugality and his rejection of luxuries. According to legend, when the Samnites offered him a large amount of gold in exchange for peace, he refused, telling them that he preferred their turnips.
There is a little known aspect of the painting that is its origin. It was commissioned by the Amsterdam City Council to decorate the hall of the East India Company. However, the painting was rejected because the size was too large to fit in the room. Finally, it was sold to a private collector.
In short, "Curius Dentatus Preferring Turnips to Gold" is a masterpiece of Dutch Baroque with a balanced composition, dramatic use of chiaroscuro, and an interesting story behind it.