Titus and Vespanian both on horseback 1505 - 1515

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving of Titus and Vespasian on horseback in the early 16th century. It is a classical representation of power and authority during the Italian Renaissance. Raimondi’s choice to depict Titus and Vespasian, Roman emperors who restored stability to the empire, speaks to the cultural values of the time. He draws from ancient Rome to legitimize power in his own time. The male figures in the print are idealized, embodying masculinity, military strength, and political leadership. The artwork reinforces the patriarchal structures of power that were prevalent in both ancient Rome and Renaissance Italy. While seemingly a straightforward depiction of Roman emperors, this engraving also reflects a longing for order. Titus and Vespasian represent not just power but also a vision of a well-governed state, a sentiment that resonates across centuries.