Portret van Vespasianus, Romeins keizer 1665 - 1693

This engraving of Vespasian, the Roman Emperor, was made by Andries Vaillant in the Netherlands, sometime in the late 17th century. It typifies a cultural fascination in the Dutch Republic with the leaders of the ancient world. But, why Vespasian? And why at this time? Following their revolt against the Spanish crown, the Dutch were self-consciously crafting a new national identity. They looked to the past for models of republican virtue and military might. In Vespasian, who brought stability to Rome after a period of civil war, they found echoes of their own struggles and triumphs. Consider also that printmaking in the Netherlands was closely tied to the publishing industry. Disseminating historical knowledge was not just about celebrating the past but also about shaping contemporary political thought. To fully understand this image, we might turn to pamphlets, books, and other printed materials from the period. This portrait reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's always part of a larger conversation.