Samnites Collection

Curius Dentatus refusing bribes from Samnites
Manius Curius Dentatus, Roman consul and plebeian hero, though living on turnips, refuses bribes from the Samnites. He is noted for ending the Samnite War

Humiliation of the Roman army by the Samnites at the Caudine Forks, 321 BC (engraving)
3647061 Humiliation of the Roman army by the Samnites at the Caudine Forks, 321 BC (engraving) by Vogel, Hermann (1856-1918); Private Collection; (add.info)

Musee du Louvre, Curius, dans sa chaumiere, refusant l or des Samnites, Fresque attribuee a Lumi
3646142 Musee du Louvre, Curius, dans sa chaumiere, refusant l or des Samnites, Fresque attribuee a Lumi, acquise a Milan en 1867 (engraving) by French School

Manius Curius Dentatus Refusing the Presents of the Samnite Ambassadors, 1732-92

The Romans Passing Under the Yoke at the Caudine Forks, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Romans Passing Under the Yoke at the Caudine Forks, 1890. From " Cassells Illustrated Universal History Vol. II - Rome", by Edmund Ollier

Romans Humbled in the Pass of Caudium, 1882. Artist: Anonymous
Romans Humbled in the Pass of Caudium, 1882. Private Collection

Samnite Soldier, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Samnite Soldier, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

Curius Dentatus refusing the Magnificent Gift offered by the Samnites, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Curius Dentatus refusing the Magnificent Gift offered by the Samnites, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

The Samnite Marriage, c1799. Artist: William Ward
The Samnite Marriage, c1799. From The Connoisseur Vol LIX, [Otto Limited, London, 1921]

Manius Curius Dentatus refusing the Bribes of the Samnites. Artist: Platzer, Johann Georg (1704-1761)
Manius Curius Dentatus refusing the Bribes of the Samnites. Found in the collection of the Dresden State Art Collections

The Romans passing under the yoke at the Caudine Forks. From Cassells Illustrated Universal History, published 1883

Manius Curius Dentatus rejects gifts Samnites
Manius Curius Dentatus rejects the gifts of the Samnites: Three heads of the Messengers, 1521/22, tempera on lime plaster (al secco), 50 x 49.5 cm, unmarked, Hans Holbein d. J

Bronze helmet, from Pietrabbondante, Molise Region, Italy
Italic civilizations, Samnites. Bronze helmet. From Pietrabbondante, Molise Region, Italy

Manius Curius Dentatus
MANIUS CURIUS DENTATUS Roman general and consul, in action against the foe - maybe the Samnites, maybe the Sabini, maybe the Senones, or even Pyrrhus and the Lucani

Papirius Cursor enjoys a triumph
After making a shameful attack on the Samnites, Lucius Papirius Cursor nevertheless enjoys a triumph usually awarded only to heroes

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The Samnites, a formidable ancient Italian tribe, left an indelible mark on history through their encounters with the Romans. One such encounter was the refusal of bribes by Curius Dentatus, a Roman general known for his incorruptibility and integrity. In an engraving displayed at the Musee du Louvre, Curius is depicted in his humble cottage steadfastly rejecting the tempting gold offered by the Samnites. Another significant event involving these two fierce adversaries occurred at the infamous Caudine Forks in 321 BC. The Roman army suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Samnites, as illustrated in another captivating engraving from that era. This artwork captures the moment when Romans were forced to pass under a yoke as a symbol of submission and humiliation. Artists throughout history have been captivated by these events and have immortalized them through their works. Johann Georg Platzer's painting portrays Manius Curius Dentatus firmly refusing bribes from Samnite ambassadors, showcasing his unwavering loyalty to Rome. Intriguingly, John Leech's illustrations depict both sides of this conflict; one showcases a defiant Samnite soldier while another depicts Curius Dentatus declining a magnificent gift offered by his adversaries. Furthermore, William Ward's masterpiece titled "The Samnite Marriage" sheds light on cultural interactions between Romans and Samnites during more peaceful times. It offers us glimpses into their customs and traditions beyond warfare. These historical moments serve as reminders of Rome's resilience despite setbacks faced against worthy opponents like the courageous Samnites. From acts of defiance to displays of humility and cultural exchange, these events continue to fascinate artists who seek to capture their essence for generations to come.