Scène uit de Dacische Oorlogen 1537 - 1550

This print, “Scene from the Dacian Wars”, was made in the mid-16th century by the Italian artist Antonio Fantuzzi. It depicts a Roman military triumph, highlighting themes of conquest and imperial power. The image is composed of two distinct groups: on the left, we see Dacians surrendering their wealth, families and livestock to the Romans, while on the right, Roman soldiers gather around their standards as a sign of their might and victory. The print reflects the enduring fascination with ancient Roman history and military prowess during the Renaissance. Italy's artistic institutions, like the school of Fontainebleau, celebrated a return to classicism and its glorification of power and conquest. To understand this print better, we might look into histories of Roman military campaigns, Renaissance art theory, and the political symbolism of triumphal imagery. By examining these sources, we can better understand the social and cultural context in which this work was made.