Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Triumph of Marcus Aurelius 1560

Nicolas Beatrizet's "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Triumph of Marcus Aurelius" (1560), an engraving housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius riding in a chariot drawn by four horses during a triumphal procession. The engraving, which is a detailed and realistic portrayal of the historical event, showcases Beatrizet's mastery of perspective and anatomy. The emphasis on the detail of the horses and chariot, which are intricately rendered, highlights the grandeur and power associated with Roman triumphs. The engraving served as a historical record and a source of inspiration for artists throughout the Renaissance.