Plate 4: Civilis tells the Dutch Elders that They are Being Treated Like Slaves by the Romans, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

This print, made by Antonio Tempesta around the turn of the 17th century, is pure graphic artistry. It's an etching, meaning the artist used acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. Tempesta’s skill is evident in the detailed textures and tones he coaxes from this process. Look at the way he evokes the play of light and shadow across the scene. The subject is Civilis, a Batavian leader, inciting his people to rise against Roman oppression. See how the composition creates a sense of drama and tension. But consider the implications of printmaking itself. This wasn't a unique artwork, but one of many impressions, made to be circulated and consumed. In that sense, the print medium mirrors the political message of the image: a call for collective action, spread far and wide. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the 1600s, art was deeply entwined with production, labor, and the flow of ideas.