Dethronement of Romulus Augustulus
- 100 x 100 cm
- Oil-canvas
- Place and date of creation: Sitges, 2022
- The artwork is part of the Age of the Roman Empire collection
The V. legion founded by Caesar is an extremely important and infamous legion in the history of Rome. Fast, unexpected and cruel.
In this work of Tamás Náray a black background with infinite depth meets the curious eye of the viewer, a background that is actually the lifeless scene left behind after fatal battles. The frame is divided into two distinct surfaces: the Lower German and Upper German regions. The outposts, strongly highlighting the Roman defense lines and moats, are illustrated by red surfaces with gradual shrinking as foreshadowment of the approaching doom. In the colors used by the Hungarian artist a reference to current German colors can also be discovered.
‘Navigating is a must!’ - the term was used by Pompey Magnus in connection with the transport of supplies, wheat and other provisions to the Roman people. Time went by, and as the colors rally up and march in chaotic movements on the frame, such was the crew’s fright of the voyage. The geometric shapes symbolize the cargo spaces of the boats, the prominent wind-blown shapes are the Roman sails, among which the imperial red sail stands out. The pink color is a reminder of the successful arrival at the port of Ostia and of the threat of famine that was averted.