Octavius Caesar Augustus, from "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" 1560 - 1592

Abraham de Bruyn made this engraving of Octavius Caesar Augustus as part of his "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" series. The series fits into a broader trend within the 16th century of artists creating prints of Roman emperors to be collected in books or displayed in print cabinets. Made in the Netherlands, the print uses classical imagery to connect the sitter to the glory of the past, but also to legitimize contemporary rulers. Horseback riding was an activity reserved for the upper classes, and to be shown on horseback was a privilege, and status symbol. Notice the classical garb of the sitter and the laurel wreath, another reference to classical antiquity. By examining the visual culture of 16th-century Netherlands, we can gain insight into the values and beliefs of the time period, and we can understand the role that images played in shaping those beliefs. We might consult emblem books and other iconographic sources to learn more about the symbolism used in prints like this one.