Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: A Marble Plaque with Military Insignia 1551

Nicolas Beatrizet’s "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: A Marble Plaque with Military Insignia" (1551) is an engraving that showcases the ornate detailing and inscription found on a Roman marble plaque. The central inscription describes the plaque’s patron, a Roman soldier named Pompeius, and his military achievements. The engraving highlights the plaque's decorative elements such as the eagle with outstretched wings symbolizing the Roman Empire and a series of Roman military insignia, including the aquila, a symbol of Roman legions, and a caduceus, the staff of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and travelers. The engraving, likely intended for an audience of scholars and art collectors, showcases the intricacies and beauty of ancient Roman art through the use of precise linework and detailed rendering.