Cicero at His Villa c. 18th century

Curator: I’m struck by the Romantic sensibility in this print. The way the landscape dominates the figures evokes a feeling of awe. Editor: Indeed. William Woollett created this piece, "Cicero at His Villa," around the late 18th century. It invites us to consider Cicero's place in British cultural history, specifically how he was perceived during the Enlightenment. Curator: Absolutely. The choice of Cicero is fascinating. What about Woollett's artistic choices? The dramatic lighting, the cascading water—it all seems to amplify Cicero’s power, connecting him to a larger narrative. Editor: I agree; the composition reinforces a social hierarchy. By placing Cicero in this setting, Woollett emphasizes the sitter’s importance, not only as a statesman, but also in the context of British political imagery. Curator: It is powerful to see how artists used historical figures like Cicero to explore ideas about the powerful influence of male authority and leadership. Editor: Precisely, and I think considering the institutional forces and the art market of the time helps us unpack those representations even further.