Combat of the Horatii and CuriatiiGiuseppe Cesari

Painted by Giuseppe Cesari (1612–1613), this fresco depicts the legendary duel between the Horatii and Curiatii, which determined the fate of Rome and Alba Longa. Three Roman brothers, the Horatii, battle three Alban brothers, the Curiatii. The lone surviving Horatius triumphed by isolating and defeating his foes. His victory was marred by tragedy when he killed his sister for mourning a Curiatius.