A Vitellius, from "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" 1560 - 1592

This engraving by Abraham de Bruyn depicts the Roman emperor Vitellius on horseback, part of a series of portraits of the first twelve Roman emperors. Vitellius is shown in profile, wearing a laurel wreath and a flowing cloak. His horse rears up, suggesting a sense of movement and power. The engraving was created sometime between 1560 and 1592, during the Northern Renaissance. The meticulous detail and realism of the work are characteristic of the period. This piece is a valuable historical artifact that sheds light on the artistic conventions of the time, showcasing the continuing interest in classical antiquity in the 16th century.