Plate 7: equestrian statue of Galba, in profile to the left, with a beheading scene in the background, from 'Roman Emperors on Horseback' 1582 - 1594

Adriaen Collaert's engraving of Galba on horseback, created around 1600, presents us with a study in contrasts, rich with visual and historical tension. The overall effect is striking, the fine lines of the engraving creating a scene of grandeur tinged with foreboding. The dominant figure of Galba, mounted high, immediately asserts power, yet the composition subtly undermines this. A beheading takes place in the background, a stark reminder of the emperor's precarious position. Collaert masterfully uses perspective to compress the space, creating a sense of unease and claustrophobia. The statue's pedestal is adorned with scenes from Galba's life, these serve as narrative devices. This print unsettles any straightforward interpretation of power and authority. The composition acts as a visual semiotic system, challenging any stable meaning, reminding us that history, like art, is always subject to interpretation.