Portret van Titus Livius 1525 - 1570

Here is a portrait of Titus Livius by an anonymous artist. This print reflects a broader cultural fascination with classical antiquity, during which historical figures like Livius were often idealized. But who gets remembered, and how? The artist of this print makes choices about which stories to tell and whose images to preserve. The lack of information about the artist contrasts sharply with the detailed portrayal of Livius, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in historical representation. Who has the agency to create, and whose stories are deemed worthy of documentation? The image of Livius is presented in a way that reinforces traditional notions of authority. As you consider this portrait, think about who is included and who is excluded. Whose stories get told, and whose are left out? And what does it mean to engage critically with the narratives and representations of the past?