Numa Pompilius 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving of Numa Pompilius, the legendary second king of Rome, made by an anonymous artist. Consider the weight of representing leadership; this image asks us to ponder how power is visualized and understood. Pompilius is adorned with symbols of authority, yet there’s a striking contrast between the divine claim to power and the very human face of the ruler. How does the artist, in their anonymous position, negotiate the complexities of depicting a historical figure who embodies both myth and political power? We can see how images like this play a crucial role in constructing and perpetuating historical narratives. Pompilius is not merely a man but an idea, shaped by the cultural and political needs of the time. Reflect on the act of looking and interpreting, and how we, as viewers, participate in the ongoing dialogue between the past and the present.