Julius Caesar gevangen door zeerovers 1819

Bartolomeo Pinelli made this linear etching called "Julius Caesar Captured by Pirates," around the late 18th century. Notice how the composition is arranged around a central, horizontal thrust, emphasized by the vessel carrying Julius Caesar. The boat cuts through the frame, dividing the scene and creating a strong sense of dynamism. The artist uses line work to define form, but also to create texture. The etching technique lends itself to creating hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal variation and depth. The artist contrasts textures and the use of line to differentiate between Caesar and the pirates. Caesar is depicted in a toga with vertical and horizontal lines which emphasize his composure versus the muscularity of the pirates pulling the oars. The print invites us to consider the way social roles can be expressed through line, texture, and structure. These are not just aesthetic choices, but carry semiotic weight, offering insight into the artist's commentary on power, class, and representation.