Ettore Forti (1850-1940), Pompeian Scene, latter half of the 19th century
Oil on canvas, 57 x 98.5 cm. Signed "E. Forti Roma" in the lower right.
The painting depicts a historical genre scene, set in a Roman or Pompeian context. The moment chosen is peculiar: during a procession, the emperor, escorted on a richly decorated litter, reprimands a man who, in a state ofebriety, has stripped himself. In ancient Roman culture, in fact, there was a desire to maintain a certain decorum of customs, especially in public: those who displayed excessive behavior did not respect Roman morality.
Forti's painting is distinguished by its great attention to detail. The setting is masterfully reconstructed in every particular: the table in the corner crowded with jugs, glasses and the remains scattered both on and at its feet, the classical architecture in the background, with the obelisk and the surrounding buildings finished in their components. Also noteworthy is the meticulousness with which the litter is created: finely carved wood with important ornaments such as sphinxes on the columns of the canopy, embedded stones on the upper structure and the arched roof bearing palmettes, eagles and two statues, a hippocampus and a winged Victory.
Furthermore, Forti used to use very intense colors in his paintings: Pompeian red, turquoise, deep blue.
In this canvas, the artist does not limit himself to executing only a scene in historical dress, but also cares about the dramatic force of the characters with their expressive faces and their gestures.
