Pompeius laat de brieven van Marcus Peperna verbranden 1737

This etching by Pieter Tanjé depicts a scene from Roman history, the burning of the letters of Marcus Peperna by Pompeius. The print, which dates back to 1737, is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age style with its detailed and precise rendering of the figures and the dramatic composition. It illustrates the tension between the two Roman leaders, Pompeius, who is portrayed with a confident and commanding demeanor, and Peperna, whose letters are being destroyed as a sign of his downfall. This artwork, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, offers a glimpse into a key moment of ancient Roman politics.