Standbeeld van keizer Commodus als Hercules, after 1550

This print presents an anonymous depiction of Emperor Commodus as Hercules, rendered with meticulous detail. The artist employs a formal composition, focusing on the idealized, muscular form of the figure. The sharp lines and contrasting shadows create a striking visual impact. Note how the artist uses the formal elements of line and form to assert power. Commodus is depicted with a Herculean physique, a lion's skin draped over his shoulder, and a club in his hand. The structure of the piece, with its strong vertical emphasis and classical references, situates Commodus within a narrative of strength and divinity. This challenges traditional boundaries between mortal and god. The image destabilizes established meanings by presenting a contemporary figure through the lens of classical mythology, blurring the lines between historical portraiture and mythological representation. Consider how this fusion reflects Commodus' own attempts to manipulate his public image, using art as a tool for self-deification. The formal choices in this print thus function as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse around power, representation, and the construction of identity.