The Customary Sacrifice Offered by the Military at the Triumphal Gate of the City 1641

Curator: This etching is titled "The Customary Sacrifice Offered by the Military at the Triumphal Gate of the City," attributed to Giacomo Lauro. It's quite small, about 7 by 9 inches. Editor: It feels very processional and staged, almost theatrical. Look at the repetition of figures, the way they're arranged towards that central altar. What's being offered? Curator: It's depicting a Roman military sacrifice, likely oxen, before a triumph. These events were highly ritualized displays of power and legitimacy. The military offering was not just about religion; it was about solidifying the emperor's role. Editor: The emphasis on performance and ritual really strikes me. The etching itself becomes a tool, reproducing this power dynamic. Did Lauro have a specific audience? Curator: Prints like these were widely circulated, solidifying ideas of Roman history and imperial power in the public consciousness. Editor: It is interesting to see how these objects create a material connection to authority. Curator: Indeed. It's a potent reminder of how images shape our understanding of history. Editor: I see the production and reproduction of images as another form of production within the Roman Empire.