Mødet mellem Hannibal og Scipio 1574

Tobias Stimmer made this woodcut of ‘The Meeting between Hannibal and Scipio’ at an unknown date. It depicts the legendary encounter between the Carthaginian general Hannibal and his Roman adversary Scipio Africanus. Made during the Northern Renaissance, the print reflects the period's renewed interest in classical history and its use in understanding contemporary political and military strategies. Stimmer’s choice of this subject aligns with a broader cultural trend of invoking historical figures to legitimize power and inspire civic virtue. The use of woodcut as a medium, with its graphic clarity, made the image reproducible and accessible. It shows the role of art in disseminating historical narratives and shaping public perception. Through careful study of period accounts and artistic conventions, we can gain insight into the work's original context and lasting impact.