Slaget mellem romerne og tarentinerne 1574

Tobias Stimmer made this tiny woodcut called "The Battle Between the Romans and the Tarentines" sometime in the late 16th century. Here, the artist draws on classical sources to comment on contemporary events. He reminds the viewer of Rome’s military might, while also referencing the use of elephants in ancient warfare. This was a period when European powers were expanding their reach around the globe, and so imagery of warfare and conquest was very popular. Stimmer worked in a printmaking workshop that was part of a larger network of artists and publishers. These workshops played an important role in disseminating images and ideas throughout Europe, contributing to the growth of a shared visual culture. To understand the full meaning of a work like this, we need to consider the artist’s sources and cultural context. By researching the history of printmaking, and the rise of European militarism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the image and its place in history.