Numa ontmoet Hersilia 1786

Jean Dambrun created this print, "Numa ontmoet Hersilia," in the late 18th century, employing etching techniques. The image depicts a scene from Roman mythology, showcasing Numa Pompilius encountering Hersilia. Such prints played a vital role in disseminating classical narratives throughout Europe during this period. These images helped shape the cultural imagination and perpetuated classical ideals. France, where this print was made, had a robust system of art academies and salons, shaping artistic taste and canonizing certain subjects like classical mythology. Dambrun's work reflects the Neoclassical movement's interest in antiquity, as well as the print market's democratizing influence. Art historians analyze such prints to gauge the values and assumptions of the era. We can investigate the print's production, distribution, and reception. Analyzing archival documents can reveal insights into the social conditions that shaped its creation and meaning.