Copy of Attilius Regulus, from Roman Heroes 1535 - 1600

Georg Pencz made this engraving, "Copy of Attilius Regulus, from Roman Heroes," around 1535, rendered in stark lines. We see a man being pushed into a barrel, while onlookers observe in the background. Pencz masterfully uses line and texture to create depth and drama within a compact space. The clustered figures on the right, rendered with meticulous detail in their garments and expressions, sharply contrast with the smooth surface of the barrel, focusing our attention on the cruel act. The composition emphasizes the tension between the victim's struggle and the impassive observation of the figures behind him. The print’s graphic nature highlights a stark interplay of power and suffering. The formal elements – line, texture, and composition – invite us to consider broader themes of justice, morality, and the representation of violence. The image does not offer a singular meaning, but rather opens a space for ongoing questioning and interpretation.