Plate 34: The Romans Burning the Dutch Countryside, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

Antonio Tempesta made this print, "The Romans Burning the Dutch Countryside," around 1600. The image depicts a historical event, but it also speaks to the political climate of Tempesta's time. The print illustrates a moment from the Batavian revolt against the Roman Empire. We see Roman soldiers, on horseback and foot, setting fire to a Dutch town. In the foreground, Dutch figures beg for mercy. This image creates meaning by associating the Roman Empire with ruthless power and the Dutch with victimhood. But consider the time this was made. The Dutch Republic was fighting for independence from Spain, a global superpower. So, this print subtly casts the Dutch as heroic resisters against tyranny, just like the Batavians of old. To understand this work fully, we can research the history of the Dutch Revolt and the art market of the period. Art is never made in a vacuum; it is always contingent on its social and institutional context.