Ruiterportret van keizer Domitianus 1616 - 1620

Laurens Eillarts created this print of Emperor Domitian on horseback, using line, texture, and form to convey power and status. The composition divides almost equally between the rider and the horse, each rendered with meticulous detail that invites close inspection. Notice how the light plays across the scales of Domitian's armor and the intricate decorations of the horse’s trappings. These visual elements serve not only to depict the scene but also to imbue it with a sense of grandeur and authority. The artist uses a semiotic system of signs to communicate ideas about leadership and imperial might. Consider how the linear quality of the engraving, with its precise and controlled lines, emphasizes the structured and orderly nature of Roman power. This isn't just a portrait, but an assertion of dominance and control. The print invites us to decode its visual language and consider how images are constructed to convey authority and influence.