Plate 28: Cologne Troops Bring Civilis' Wife and Sister to Cerialis, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

"Plate 28: Cologne Troops Bring Civilis' Wife and Sister to Cerialis," is an etching by Antonio Tempesta, dated 1611-12. Part of a larger series, "The War of the Romans Against the Batavians," this print depicts a moment in the Roman conquest of Gaul. It shows Roman troops, led by Cerialis, receiving the wife and sister of the Batavian leader Julius Civilis. The scene is set against a backdrop of a burning city, highlighting the brutality of the conflict. The dynamic composition and detailed figures are typical of Tempesta's work, showcasing his mastery of the etching technique. The scene's historical context and the artist's masterful execution make this a fascinating example of 17th-century printmaking.