Plate 12: equestrian statue of Domitian, seen three-quarters to the left, with his stabbing death at right in the background, from 'Roman Emperors on Horseback' 1582 - 1594

Adriaen Collaert created this engraving, "Plate 12: equestrian statue of Domitian," in the late 16th or early 17th century. The print presents a striking contrast through its detailed lines and composition. Domitian, mounted on a horse, is rendered with meticulous attention. Notice how the statue dominates the foreground, embodying power. Collaert uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to accentuate the three-dimensional quality of the statue, bringing it to life on the flat surface. However, in the background, almost as a footnote, Collaert depicts Domitian's assassination. This juxtaposition introduces a layer of semiotic complexity: the equestrian statue symbolizes authority, while the assassination reveals the fragility of power. Collaert destabilizes the glorification of Domitian, suggesting that even the most imposing figures are subject to mortality and judgment. Through this interplay of form and content, Collaert invites us to consider how we interpret symbols of power.