Scipio indtager Veii 1574

Tobias Stimmer made this woodcut, Scipio indtager Veii, depicting a scene of war. Produced in the late 16th century, the image provides insight into the cultural and political ideas circulating at the time. Here, we see the Roman siege of the Etruscan city of Veii, as told in Livy’s history of Rome. Visual codes, like Roman military dress, create meaning through historical associations. The artist’s choice of this subject matter invites viewers to consider the politics of imagery. Was Stimmer commenting on contemporary political events in Europe? Did he intend to portray this Roman siege as a heroic moment in military history? It is important to remember that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Understanding this artwork requires researching the historical context, including the political climate and the artist's own beliefs and affiliations. Considering these factors enriches our understanding of art as something contingent on social and institutional context.