Lycurgus 1731 - 1771

This print of Lycurgus was created by Balthasar Sigmund Setletzky. Lycurgus, the legendary lawgiver of Sparta, stands as a figure draped in classical garb, gesturing towards a stone tablet that alludes to the laws he enacted. The gesture of Lycurgus, offering or presenting the tablet, echoes across centuries—a symbol of codified order and governance. In ancient Roman reliefs, emperors are often depicted in similar poses, handing down laws or decrees, a continuation of this motif. The sphere, a symbolic attribute, suggests worldly dominion, perhaps reflecting the breadth of Lycurgus' influence or the comprehensive nature of his reforms. This symbol predates back to the Roman Empire, a signal of power. The power of the image engages the viewers in its deep, subconscious level. The motif of the lawgiver, the tablet, and the sphere—continue to reappear in art and iconography, embodying the collective memory of societies striving for order, justice, and legacy.