Plate 6: Emperor Nero on Horseback, from 'The First Twelve Roman Caesars', after Tempesta 1610 - 1650

This engraving by Matthäus Merian the Elder, from his series "The First Twelve Roman Caesars", depicts the Roman Emperor Nero on horseback. The dramatic composition and detailed rendering are characteristic of the artist's style. The image is likely based on a lost painting by the Italian artist Antonio Tempesta. The fiery landscape and the horse's rearing pose evoke a sense of drama and power, reflecting Nero's infamous reign. The inscription "NERO. AVGVSVTS." identifies the subject, reminding viewers of the Roman emperor's legacy. The engraving is a fine example of the popular genre of historical portraiture and serves as a visual testament to the enduring fascination with Roman history.