Dood van Pompeius 1800

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman created this print, depicting the death of Pompey, sometime before 1828. At the time, the printmaking tradition involved not just technical skill, but also the ability to convey narratives that resonated with classical ideals and moral lessons. In this small scene, we witness not just death, but betrayal. Consider how Portman uses the boat as a stage, with Pompey as the tragic figure at its center, evoking a sense of drama and pathos. Who holds the power? Who carries out the violence? What does it mean to be betrayed by those you trust? Are these men acting on their own behalf or at the behest of an unseen ruler? It is a stark reminder of how political power often relies on violence and betrayal, impacting individual lives and the course of history. It invites us to reflect on these larger themes but does not shy away from the intimacy of individual human suffering.