Buste van Scipio Africanus major 1646 - 1670

Hubert Quellinus made this bust of Scipio Africanus Major. The image revives the glory of ancient Rome. The Dutch Republic of the 17th century was deeply invested in the imagery of republicanism, with artists and intellectuals looking back to the Roman Republic for models of civic virtue and military prowess. This print served as a visual representation of those ideals, fitting into a broader cultural movement where classical imagery was used to legitimize contemporary political structures and social values. Prints like this also played a key role in shaping historical consciousness. By circulating images of figures like Scipio, they helped construct a narrative of Western history rooted in classical antiquity. This image is not just a portrait; it’s a statement about the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age. Understanding this print requires looking at the artist, the institutions that supported its creation, and the social forces that gave it meaning. A deep dive into the print collections and archives will help us understand its full impact.