Portret van Romulus Possibly 1610 - 1654

This engraving depicts Romulus, the founder of Rome, in a book printed in the Netherlands, likely in the 17th century. The image places Romulus, the founder of Rome, within a Dutch context. During this time, the Dutch Republic was establishing itself as a major power through maritime trade and colonial expansion, much like the Roman Republic of antiquity. Rome was seen as a model for state-building and political organization. The book is written in Dutch and printed using techniques common in the Netherlands at the time. The artist's choice to depict Romulus in this way speaks to the cultural and political interests of the Dutch Republic. The image likely reflects a fascination with classical history and the use of historical figures to legitimize contemporary political ambitions. Further research into the printing history of this book and the social context in which it was produced would help us understand its meaning.