Nikanor brengt het bericht over de verbanning van Coriolan 1786

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this print, Nikanor brengt het bericht over de verbanning van Coriolanus, in the 18th century. The image depicts a scene from Roman history, focusing on the moment Coriolanus learns of his banishment. Prints like these served a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and shaping public opinion during the Enlightenment. Chodowiecki’s work reflects the era's fascination with classical antiquity and its use of historical narratives to comment on contemporary social and political issues. Germany in the 1700s was seeing a rise in national consciousness and a turn towards art with moral and educational purposes. The print would have been relatively affordable, making it accessible to a broad audience. By examining the print's visual style, subject matter, and distribution, we can gain insight into the cultural values and intellectual currents of the time. Researching the print's production, reception, and circulation can reveal its role in shaping public discourse. The meaning of this image is contingent on this social and institutional context.