De Lupercalia en de gevangenneming van Remus 1572 - 1573

Giovanni Battista Fontana made this print called, ‘De Lupercalia en de gevangenneming van Remus’ sometime in the late 16th century. It depicts the Roman festival of Lupercalia and the capture of Remus, one of the mythical founders of Rome, and it invites us to consider the power of images to construct narratives about leadership, culture, and national identity. Fontana was working in Italy, a place that still looked to ancient Rome for its cultural ideals. Lupercalia was a pastoral festival, probably intended to avert evil spirits from flocks and fields. Here, it takes place in an idyllic setting. Note the active figures and the classical sculpture in the background. But look closer. The artist has also created a scene of violence and capture. Remus is taken prisoner. The print refers to the early history of Rome as a way to promote certain social values. As historians, we can research the meanings of Lupercalia and the story of Romulus and Remus to better understand Fontana's commentary on the social structures of his time.