Italian heroics

[Bushwhacker]

Can you explain to me what does "Italian heroics" mean? Definition for heroics, which seems ambiguous is main doubt.

Thank You :-D:up:

 

[Anglika]

Is it possible to give the context?

 

[Bushwhacker]

Is it possible to give the context?

Still keeping with Rembrandt.

Context:

"He paints old people, the girl next door, he doesn't hide anything, and he's interested in a certain amount of Italian heroics."

For me, Italian heroics seems to be referring to heroic deeds made by Italian people, or epic verses, but I don't quite see the connection with Rembrandt whatever be any of them.

Thanks again :-D

 

[Anglika]

The author is using it to refer to the growing Baroque / Mannerist school of Italian painting, with lots of extravagant gestures and action, contrasting strongly with the reserved and cooler works of the Northern schools.

 

[beascarpetta]

heroics is usually used in a disapproving way for any actions (possibly risky or foolish)
taken to make other people admire you

this hasn't got a thing to do with the text in question, but "Italian heroics" in certain parts of Europe was generally used as a euphemism for a character trait (any Italians present: do not drop by for a friendly visit!) generally attributed to Italian people up to the middle of the last century ,namely that of being a bunch of cowards
no offence meant :-D