Plate 12: Emperor Domitian on horseback, from 'The First Twelve Roman Caesars' after Tempesta 1610 - 1650

Matthäus Merian the Elder created this print of Emperor Domitian on horseback after a design by Tempesta. Notice how the engraving’s stark contrast emphasizes the figure's robust form. Consider how the artist employed line and texture to articulate Domitian’s armor and the horse’s musculature. The repetitive, precise lines create a palpable sense of weight and solidity. The background, featuring a cityscape, is rendered with finer lines, creating a sense of depth that accentuates the foregrounded figures. The composition adheres to established conventions of power and authority. Domitian is elevated both literally and figuratively, his figure dominating the frame, symbolizing his command over the empire. This representation, however, is not without its complexities. The medium of printmaking, with its inherent reproducibility, democratizes the image of power. It transforms the representation of the Emperor into a commodity, circulated and consumed. The contrast challenges notions of authenticity and originality in art, opening up discussions about representation, power, and cultural dissemination.