Gaius Lutatius besejrer Karthagos flåde 1574

Tobias Stimmer created this woodcut, Gaius Lutatius defeats the Carthaginian fleet, sometime in the late 16th century. Stimmer was working in a historical moment marked by the rise of print culture, which allowed for the wide dissemination of images and ideas. Here, the artist depicts a scene of Roman naval victory. What does it mean to represent war and victory? This image presents an opportunity to reflect on the dynamics of power and conquest. The ships and soldiers evoke a sense of might, while the artist's technique adds a layer of complexity, where every line seems to carry a weight of history. Ultimately, Stimmer's work invites us to consider the stories we tell about ourselves and others through art. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our values, biases, and aspirations across time.