Horatius Cocles on horseback, trampling a fallen soldier 1505 - 1515

This print, made by Marcantonio Raimondi around 1515, shows Horatius Cocles on horseback, in the process of trampling a fallen soldier. Raimondi was a master of engraving, a printmaking technique that involves incising an image into a metal plate, in this case likely copper, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The medium lends itself to the sharp, precise lines that define the scene. Consider the labor involved: each line painstakingly carved into the metal, demanding both skill and patience. The process allowed for the mass production of images, playing a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas and narratives, like this classical scene of military prowess. The texture of the paper, the weight of the ink, and the overall composition contribute to the print's visual impact. By understanding the materials and processes, we appreciate not only the artistry but also the social and cultural context in which it was produced.