In the context of this artwork, explore the Recutting of the Later changes.
In 1687, Francois Girardon was tasked with amending Berini's sculpture. When recut by Girardon the equestrian statue was re-purposed to depict Marcus Curtius, an ancient Roman hero. In his story, an abyss appeared in the middle of the Roman forum that only the sacrifice of Rome's greatest possession would close. As a result Curtius determined that Rome's most prized possession with the bravery of its soldiers and hurled himself into the abyss while riding his horse, closing it.Girardon, the director of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, and the governor of all royal commissions of sculpture, carved the head and the horse’s support, adding a helmet and flames while changing the face. This narrative was viewed as better fitting the contortions of the horse, which did not depict a high level of horsemanship. Bernini had opted for movement instead of poise which was not well received by Louis XIVTwo major elements were changed; the flowing hair at the back of Louis XIV’s head was converted into the casque of a crested helmet and the flags were converted into a mass of flames at the horse’s feet.
Marcus Curtius Girardon equestrian statue Louis XIV Rome