Galba adopts Piso 1748

Paul Egell made this pen and brown ink drawing, "Galba adopts Piso," in the 18th century. It captures a pivotal moment in Roman history, and prompts us to consider the public role of art in depicting and shaping power dynamics. The image shows Galba, the Roman emperor, adopting Piso as his successor. This act was fraught with political tension, as it bypassed other potential claimants to the throne. Made in Germany, where the Holy Roman Empire still existed, the image has a clear interest in the creation and transfer of power. By using visual codes derived from classical antiquity, the artist imbues the scene with an air of historical weight and legitimacy. To fully understand this drawing, we need to consider the social and political context in which it was made, researching both the history of the Roman Empire, as well as the traditions of eighteenth-century political art. In doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between art, power, and the institutions that shape them.