Gaius Duillius besejrer Kartago i et søslag 1574

Tobias Stimmer made this small woodcut, "Gaius Duillius defeating Carthage in a sea battle," sometime in the late 16th century. It depicts a naval battle from the First Punic War, a conflict between the Roman Republic and Carthage. Though Stimmer was Swiss, the image highlights the period’s fascination with classical antiquity. Notice how the ships are rendered not as they were but as they were imagined to be. The symmetry of the image, the repetition of shapes, and the overall busyness creates a sense of drama and chaos, reflecting the intensity of battle. The image also underscores the significance of military might in nation-building. Rome’s victory over Carthage marked a key point in its expansion and consolidation of power. Stimmer’s print, therefore, reflects the rise of European nationalism and the use of classical history to legitimize contemporary political ambitions. Studying prints like this one helps us to understand the visual culture of the past and the ways in which historical events were interpreted and used to serve contemporary social and political needs.