Caligula Appointing His Horse Incitatus to the Consulship n.d.

This drawing, "Caligula Appointing His Horse Incitatus to the Consulship," was made with pen and brown ink and wash over black chalk, on cream laid paper. The layered application of ink and wash over the preliminary chalk lines gives a sense of depth and movement, despite the drawing's relatively small scale. The artist has used the materials expressively, with quick, gestural lines to capture the drama of the scene. This sketch-like quality suggests the immediacy of the artist’s creative process. The social significance of the artwork comes from its subject matter. The story of Caligula's supposed appointment of his horse to the Roman Senate underscores the corruption and excess of power. The artist may have engaged with historical accounts and social critiques of political leadership, using the drawing to reflect on the relationship between authority and absurdity. This is not necessarily “fine art” because it’s making a direct critique. This work reminds us that understanding the materials and context of creation helps us interpret the layers of meaning within it.