Johann Heiss is considered a very advanced artistic figure who, together with other masters, shaped Augsburg art in the second half of the 17th century. The large-format painting by Marcus Curtius, “Before a Jump into the Abyss,” is undoubtedly one of Johann Heiss's most important works, which impresses with its high quality painting and beautiful colors. Marcus Curtius was a hero of ancient Rome. According to legend, a deep abyss opened on the Roman Forum in 362 BC. The oracles declared that the pit would never be closed until Rome's most valuable possessions were thrown into it. Curtius argued that nothing was more precious than a brave citizen, and jumped, fully armed and on horseback, into an abyss that immediately closed. Johann Heiss's painting shows the brave Marcus Curtius standing on the Roman Forum in front of a smoking hearth. Marcus is depicted in noble armor and on horseback. A crowd of people standing on either side of the abyss watch in horror. In his humanistic concept and storytelling power, Johann Heiss portrayed Marcus Curtius as the hero of Rome, saying goodbye to the citizens of the city in front of the magnificent palaces and temples of Rome. Expert opinion from Dr. Peter Königfeld. 117 x 180 cm, Oil on canvas. Exhibited Barockmuseum Oberaudorf July 15 - September 23, 2023. Literature: Barockmuseum Oberaudorf " Ausstelung Deutsche und Österreichische Barockmalerei des 17. und 18 Jahrhunderts" page 10-11