Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Wild Animals, from antique wall paintings, plate 1 1547

This print of wild animals, now in the Met, was made in Rome, though we don't know exactly when or by whom. It's a reproduction from the Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae, a collection of prints that recorded the splendors of ancient Rome. The image draws on the rich history of Roman wall paintings, referencing the grandeur of the past to elevate the present. Notice how the artist arranges the animals. Lions, elephants and camels take center stage, symbols of exotic power that would have resonated with the ambitions of the Roman elite. In a society deeply conscious of lineage and legacy, these images offered a way to connect with the glories of antiquity. They spoke to the social and political aspirations of a culture eager to assert its dominance. As historians, we look to sources beyond the artwork itself—archival documents, social histories, and cultural studies—to understand the complex web of meanings woven into each image. The interpretation of art is always contingent on context, inviting us to explore the dynamic interplay between art, power, and society.