Visigoths Sack Rome [by Joseph-Noel Sylvestre]

"The Sack of Rome in 410 by the Vandals" by Joseph-Noel Sylvestre (1847-1926) at the Musée Paul Valéry. It was the first time in 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign power: the Visigoths led by Alaric. The Roman Empire was in full decline. Note where in the painting the artist signs his name — and the beauty of the living bodies attacking the serene but lifeless classical bust. — DL