A Vitellius, from "Twelve Caesars on Horseback" 1560 - 1592

Abraham de Bruyn created this engraving of Vitellius as part of his series "Twelve Caesars on Horseback". De Bruyn, working in the late 16th century, situates himself in a complex moment of early modern European history, marked by religious conflict and the rise of print culture. Here, Vitellius, the Roman Emperor known for his brief and gluttonous reign, is rendered as a figure of power and authority. De Bruyn’s choice to depict the Caesars on horseback speaks to the enduring allure of classical antiquity and its association with leadership and control. Yet, this image also reflects the artist’s cultural context, where the visual representation of rulers was strategically employed to convey messages of legitimacy and strength. The emotional impact of this work lies in its ability to evoke a sense of historical grandeur, even as it subtly critiques the nature of power. The print invites us to consider how representations of leadership are constructed and how they reflect both the aspirations and anxieties of a given era.