Acht penningen met triomfwagens 1580

Onofrio Panvinio created this print, "Acht penningen met triomfwagens", sometime before 1568. The arrangement of circular medallions, each depicting a triumphal chariot, immediately establishes a structured grid across the page. The stark contrast of light and shadow, achieved through fine, precise lines, defines the forms and adds depth. Each chariot varies slightly—some drawn by horses, others by exotic animals like lions or elephants. This variation introduces a dynamic element within the rigid structure. The inscriptions around each medallion serve both as identifiers and as framing devices. The semiotic interplay here is fascinating. The chariot, an ancient symbol of victory and power, is repeated and re-contextualized. The artist uses the symbolic language to evoke broader reflections on power, divinity, and historical memory. The print prompts us to consider how signs and symbols can be methodically arranged to convey complex meanings within a seemingly simple format.