Plate 2: Octavius in profile to the left, from 'The Twelve Caesars' 1610 - 1640

This print of Octavius Caesar, part of a series called 'The Twelve Caesars', was made by an anonymous artist. The image reflects the enduring fascination with Roman antiquity during the Renaissance. Yet, it also tells us about the politics of representation, as the series was made at a time when powerful families sought to legitimize their rule by associating themselves with the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The visual codes of the print, with its classical lettering and its careful depiction of Octavius in profile, constructs its meaning through cultural references to an idealised past. This was a common trope amongst the aristocracy keen to suggest that they were Caesar's natural heir. Understanding this artwork requires us to look beyond its aesthetic qualities. By considering the social conditions and institutional histories that shaped its production, we can better understand its role in the visual culture of its time. This is why historians use genealogical records and other research resources to unpack the meaning of art.