Publius Horatius 1586

Hendrick Goltzius’s “Publius Horatius” is a dramatic black and white engraving depicting a Roman hero raising a sword, with a dramatic sky and a host of soldiers in the background, created in 1586. It is known for its detailed depiction of Roman armor and weaponry. The engraving’s dramatic depiction of the hero’s strength and heroism reflects the classical ideals of courage and valor that were popular in 16th-century Europe. The engraving’s use of strong contrasts of light and shadow contributes to the powerful sense of drama in this artwork. The work is held at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst.