Numa Pompilius wordt als koning van Rome aangewezen c. 1636 - 1670

Petrus Clouwet created this print, titled 'Numa Pompilius wordt als koning van Rome aangewezen' sometime in the 17th century. Clouwet was working in a historical and cultural context shaped by the Baroque era. He was influenced by classical antiquity which was also a period of religious and political conflict. Here, Clouwet depicts the moment Numa Pompilius is chosen to be the king of Rome. We see priests presenting the crown, soldiers in the background, a young boy, and a horse. Consider the role of masculinity and leadership during this time, as represented by the figures in the print. What does it mean to lead justly? What is the relationship between spiritual authority and temporal power? This print invites us to consider the complexities of leadership, power, and the foundations of Roman society. It is a reflection on how societies legitimize authority, while also being a lens through which to view the artist’s contemporary world.