Tarquin the Elder consulting Attus Nevius the Augur Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734)

The composition presents a scene steeped in Roman antiquity, centered around a moment of consultation and deliberation. A man, presumably of high status given his attire – a laurel wreath signifying victory or office, and a richly draped crimson cloak over classical garb – stands with an air of troubled contemplation. He rests his chin on his hand, a gesture suggesting deep thought or perhaps anxiety regarding the matter at hand. His posture is slightly angled away from the figure he addresses, creating a visual distance that hints at reluctance or uncertainty in accepting the advice being offered.
Before him kneels an older man, presumably an augur, whose weathered face and long beard convey wisdom and experience. He gestures upwards with one hand, seemingly pointing to some celestial sign or omen – a crucial element in Roman decision-making processes. His other hand rests on a wooden tablet, likely used for recording observations or interpreting signs. The intensity of his gaze directed towards the standing man underscores the gravity of his pronouncements.
To the left, a group observes this exchange. A bearded man raises his hands in what appears to be a gesture of supplication or perhaps concern. Beside him stands a woman holding a child, both looking on with expressions that are difficult to decipher – a mixture of hope and apprehension seems plausible. The presence of these onlookers reinforces the public nature of the consultation and its potential impact beyond the immediate participants.
The background is dominated by a monumental structure resembling an amphitheater or temple, suggesting a setting within a significant urban center. A flock of birds flies across the sky above this building, further emphasizing the importance of divination in Roman culture. The light source appears to be from the upper left, illuminating the faces and gestures of the central figures while casting shadows that add depth and drama to the scene.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of power, responsibility, and the reliance on tradition and divine guidance in governance. The contrast between the youthful vigor of the standing man and the aged wisdom of the augur highlights a generational divide and the burden of leadership. The inclusion of the observing figures suggests that decisions made at this level have far-reaching consequences for the community. Ultimately, the work seems to ponder the complexities of decision-making in a society where human judgment is intertwined with the perceived will of the gods.