Plate 10: Emperor Titus on Horseback, from 'The First Twelve Roman Caesars' after Tempesta 1610 - 1650

'Plate 10: Emperor Titus on Horseback', part of 'The First Twelve Roman Caesars', was created by Matthäus Merian the Elder, sometime in the 17th century, after a design by Tempesta. This print offers more than just a historical portrait; it's a window into the complex interplay between power, representation, and identity during the Early Modern period. Consider the choice of portraying Titus, a Roman Emperor, on horseback. This imagery evokes ideals of leadership, triumph, and imperial authority. Yet, this depiction also subtly reinforces a gendered view of power, where masculine strength and dominance are valorized through the figure of the ruler. How does this image speak to our understanding of leadership today? Does it perpetuate traditional hierarchies, or can it inspire a reevaluation of power dynamics? Ponder how the weight of history shapes our present perceptions of leadership and identity.