Kleine triomfpoort met hermen, 1599 1599

This small triumphal arch with herms was made in 1599 by an anonymous artist. It uses engraving, etching, and the burin. Engravings like this circulated widely throughout Europe, and they remind us that prints were not simply reproductions, but rather, artworks in their own right. This piece probably comes from the Netherlands, a region with a robust print culture at the time. The little archway is decorated with herms, those classical busts atop square pillars, and on top are two figures in classical garb, all under a shining sun. But surrounding the arch are ordinary people. It’s as if a classical ideal has descended into the mundane world of daily life. What are we to make of that contrast? This print is like a little stage set; perhaps it speaks to the theatricality of power. To really understand this print, we need to look at its historical context. What were the pressing social and political issues of the time? Who was this print made for, and how was it meant to be used? Answering these questions is the job of the historian.