The Consecration of Decius Mus

As a Roman consul in 340 BC, Decius Mus fought against the Latins. He is said to have ensured victory by undergoing a rite in which he vowed to offer himself as a sacrifice. In doing so, he accepted his imminent death. During the battle, Decius Mus charged into enemy lines at full gallop, sacrificing himself for Rome. In ancient writings, he is considered a model of virtuous behaviour (Exemplum virtutis). His story regained popularity in the early Renaissance. Rubens shows Decius Mus with his head covered, one hand exposed from beneath his toga and held to his chin. A priest faces him and delivers the consecration.