Trommelslagers te paard in Romeins kostuum 1670

François Chauveau created this print of mounted drummers in Roman costume using etching. This image encapsulates the performative aspects of power in the 17th century. The riders, adorned in elaborate interpretations of Roman attire, are not merely playing music; they're embodying an ideal of imperial grandeur. Etchings like this one circulated widely in France, helping to shape cultural attitudes toward power and spectacle. The choice of Roman costume is significant, evoking the historical weight of the Roman Empire. The print is an artifact, reflecting the aspirations and values of its time. To truly understand it, we might consult period texts on fashion, social customs, and political theory. These resources help us interpret the visual codes that would have been immediately apparent to Chauveau’s contemporaries. The print’s value lies in its ability to open a window onto a distant social and cultural landscape.