Scipios sejrstog i Rom 1574

Tobias Stimmer created this woodcut print called "Scipio's Triumphal Procession in Rome," a story from Roman history. Stimmer was working during the Reformation, a time of intense religious and social upheaval. His art often reflected the complex relationship between classical themes and contemporary moral concerns. In this print, Stimmer depicts a Roman general, Scipio Africanus, celebrated for his victories. Triumphal processions were not just military parades; they were carefully staged displays of power. Yet, Stimmer’s work invites us to consider the human cost of such spectacles. What about the conquered peoples, the enslaved, and the displaced? These stories are often overshadowed by the focus on the triumphant hero. As you look at this image, think about who gets remembered in history and whose stories are left out. How does Stimmer’s woodcut, made during a period of religious and social change, invite us to question the narratives of power and victory we inherit? The image asks us to consider the complex legacy of conquest and triumph, both then and now.