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Appius Claudius Collection

Appius Claudius, a name that echoes through history with tales of power, betrayal, and tragedy


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Appius Claudius, a name that echoes through history with tales of power, betrayal, and tragedy. In the artwork "The Story of Virginia, " we witness the heart-wrenching moment when Virginia is judged and condemned to slavery. Painted in 1500, this tempera on panel piece captures the anguish and despair on her face as she faces an uncertain fate. Another depiction can be found in an engraving titled "Appius Claudius Persuading the Senate to Reject Pyrrhus Offer of Peace. " Here, his persuasive skills are showcased as he convinces the Senate to reject peace negotiations, and is clear that Appius possesses a cunning intellect and a knack for manipulating those around him. However, not all stories about Appius Claudius paint him in a favorable light. In one image titled "Appius Claudius punished by the people, " we see him facing retribution from an angry mob. This suggests that his actions have caused great harm or injustice towards others. One particularly tragic tale involving Appius revolves around Virginia, portrayed in various artworks throughout history. From John Leech's illustration depicting her being carried off by a minion under Appuis' command to Ernest Dudley Heath's portrayal of Verginia rejecting his advances before meeting her untimely demise at her father's hand - these images capture the heartbreaking story of a young woman caught between honor and dishonor. In contrast to these dramatic scenes, there are also depictions showcasing everyday life during Appian times such as Plate 19: Part of the ancient Appian Way outside Porta S. Sebastiano. This artwork offers us insight into Roman infrastructure and transportation during that era. Whether seen as a manipulative politician or someone who met their comeuppance at the hands of justice-seeking citizens, it is undeniable that Appis Claudis played significant roles within Roman society. His legacy continues to captivate artists across centuries who seek to immortalize his story through their art.