Plate 11: Titus Vespasian on horseback facing right from the 'First Twelve Emperors of Ancient Rome' 1575 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this print of Titus Vespasian, one of a series of the first twelve Roman emperors, using etching and engraving. Note how the composition is structured by the linear precision of the engraving, creating a dense network of lines that define form and texture. The stark contrast between light and shadow models the figures, giving them a sculptural presence on the flat plane. Tempesta’s use of line creates an intricate pattern across the surface. From the horse's elaborate trappings to Titus's ornate armor and feathered helmet, each detail is rendered with meticulous care. This emphasis on ornamentation is not merely decorative; it functions as a signifier of power and status. Consider the semiotic weight of the symbols: the laurel wreath, a sign of victory, and the emperor's baton, a symbol of authority. The composition also reveals a tension between the flatness of the print and the illusion of depth. This interplay challenges the viewer's perception, inviting us to question the nature of representation itself. In doing so, Tempesta encourages a more critical engagement with the image.