Verschijning van Romulus aan Proclus 1659

Louis de Châtillon created this print, Verschijning van Romulus aan Proclus, whose date is unknown, using etching and engraving techniques. During de Châtillon's time, the late 17th and early 18th centuries, France was under the reign of Louis XIV, a period marked by grand artistic expressions and the consolidation of royal power. This print depicts a scene of Romulus appearing to Proclus and is laden with symbols of power and virtue. The image evokes a world steeped in classical ideals, reflecting the era's fascination with ancient Rome and its use as a model for contemporary governance. Consider how the figures are rendered, Romulus's triumphant emergence contrasts with Proclus's awestruck posture. De Châtillon skillfully uses light and shadow to emphasize the divine nature of Romulus's appearance. This print not only showcases a mythical event but also serves as a commentary on leadership, divinity, and the power of the Roman ideal in shaping contemporary European identity.