Emperor Nero on Horseback 1596

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta’s "Emperor Nero on Horseback," a 16th or 17th century engraving. The detail is incredible! I'm struck by the opulence conveyed through the horse's elaborate trappings. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: The focus on material representation is key here. Consider the economic implications of the horse's ornamentation—the labor, materials, and trade networks required to produce such a display. It signifies power derived from material wealth. Editor: So, it's less about Nero's reign and more about what his possessions represent? Curator: Precisely! The print highlights a system of value rooted in tangible goods, and the power dynamics inherent in their acquisition and display. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's fascinating to consider the artwork as a record of material culture. Curator: Indeed, it encourages us to question who benefits from such extravagance and what resources are expended to create this image.