Paches schiet Ciffides dood 1768

This print by Christian Bernhard Rode depicts a scene of violence, likely drawn from classical literature or mythology, rendered with the crisp lines of late 18th-century etching techniques. Made in Germany, at a time when the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order was shaping artistic tastes, the image subtly reflects the period's fascination with the ancient world. Artists turned to classical subjects to explore themes of heroism, morality, and the foundations of Western civilization. Here, we see the social structures of its time through art academies that promoted the study of classical art and the development of a canon. Art historians have found the image in collections of prints sold to collectors as well as used to instruct students in the arts of design. By examining period texts, such as academic treatises and exhibition catalogs, we can better understand the changing meanings of this print and its role in shaping cultural values during a time of political and social upheaval.