Romulus bevrijdt zijn broer Remus 1659

Louis de Châtillon created this print, Romulus Freeing his Brother Remus, using etching and engraving techniques. This dramatic scene references the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, and it reflects the period's fascination with classical history and its use as a moral and political mirror. The print is teeming with the visual codes of power, justice, and fraternal loyalty. Produced in France, a nation that, at the time, was consolidating its own power through the monarchy and centralized institutions. France looked to the grandeur of Rome as a historical precursor. The print subtly comments on the social structures of its time. It positions Romulus as a defender against tyranny. The imagery suggests the importance of virtuous leadership, an idea that would resonate within the courtly circles and among the educated elite who consumed such images. Examining prints like these allows us to explore the complex interplay between art, power, and social values. Researching period literature, political treatises, and the history of the French court are all crucial steps in understanding the deeper meanings embedded in this work.