Emperor Claudius on Horseback 1596

Curator: Here we see Antonio Tempesta's engraving, "Emperor Claudius on Horseback," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The texture is fascinating, especially given the monochromatic nature of the print. It feels both powerful and strangely unsettling to me. Curator: The image draws on classical equestrian portraiture, echoing the power structures it represents, but filtered through the lens of early modern Europe. Editor: I'm struck by how Claudius, often seen as weak, is presented here as an assertive, martial figure. This feels like a clear effort to rehabilitate his image. It prompts one to think about historical narrative and biases. Curator: Precisely. Tempesta's work here engages with the public role of historical figures and how their legacies are actively shaped and reshaped over time. Editor: Looking closer, I am thinking about this depiction of power as a form of constructed identity, very relevant to contemporary discourse around leadership, performativity, and cultural memory. Curator: Indeed, it leaves you wondering about the political intent behind idealized images of power, even those from centuries ago. Editor: This prompts a deep dive into not just art history, but the very nature of historical representation and its ongoing impact. Thank you!