Plate 3: Tiberius turned to the right, from 'The Twelve Caesars' 1610 - 1640

This is Plate 3: Tiberius turned to the right, from 'The Twelve Caesars', an engraving by an anonymous artist. Portraits of rulers are never just neutral likenesses; they’re powerful statements about authority and legacy. This image reflects the artist’s perception of Tiberius as a figure of immense authority. We see the Roman emperor depicted with a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and status. The sharp, precise lines emphasize the unyielding gaze and stoic expression, carefully constructing an image of power, and projecting qualities of leadership onto the figure of Tiberius. But let’s think about this image beyond face value. Consider the act of representation itself. Who gets remembered, and how? The image asks us to reflect on how the legacies of historical figures are shaped by those who create and consume their images. The artist remains anonymous, yet their vision shapes our understanding of a historical figure. This engraving makes us ponder the relationship between power, representation, and historical memory.