Sergius Galba, from "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" 1560 - 1592

Abraham de Bruyn’s engraving of Sergius Galba, part of his "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" series, offers insight into the political uses of imagery in the late 16th century. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects a fascination with Roman history, common among European elites who looked to antiquity for models of leadership and power. De Bruyn's choice to depict Galba on horseback, holding a staff, visually associates him with authority and martial strength. This series was likely commissioned or produced for a wealthy, educated audience, keen on classical subjects. Prints like these circulated widely, serving as tools for cultural transmission and shaping perceptions of historical figures. As historians, we look at not just the image, but also the context: the printmaking industry, the classical education system, and the political climate that made such images meaningful. The image and context reveal how art was intertwined with the social and intellectual currents of its time.