Keizer Vitellius op weg naar zijn terechtstelling 1804

Reinier Vinkeles made this drawing of Emperor Vitellius on his way to execution using pen in grey ink and brush in grey wash. It's an image that speaks volumes about power, its exercise, and its loss. Made in the Netherlands, most likely in the late 18th century, this drawing evokes a distant past, that of the Roman Empire. But why would an artist from this time and place depict such a scene? The Dutch Republic, like ancient Rome, was a republic that valued civic virtue. The story of Vitellius, a Roman emperor known for his gluttony and cruelty, served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and tyranny. Vinkeles would have made this drawing in relation to a print or book. The Rijksmuseum is the perfect place to reflect on such dynamics as it has, throughout its history, played a crucial role in shaping national identity and cultural values. Art history is crucial here, as we rely on the institutions of the museum and the university, as well as the work of archivists and other researchers to understand the drawing’s meaning.