Gaius Lutatius besejrer Karthagos flåde 1574

This woodcut, depicting Gaius Lutatius defeating the Carthaginian fleet, was made by Tobias Stimmer in the late 16th century. It illustrates a naval battle from the First Punic War. Stimmer, working in Switzerland during the Reformation, made prints that often combined classical and biblical themes with contemporary political commentary. In this image, the artist uses the visual language of print to construct meaning. The chaotic scene of clashing ships and armored soldiers evokes the violence of war. While seemingly a historical depiction, consider the context of its creation. During the 16th century, warfare and political conflict were rife in Europe. By revisiting ancient battles, Stimmer invited his audience to reflect on the nature of conflict and the fragility of peace in their own time. For art historians, understanding this work involves researching not only the historical event it portrays but also the cultural and political environment in which Stimmer operated.