Lycurg, efter antik buste 1822 - 1885

This is Joel Ballin's engraving of ‘Lycurg, efter antik buste’. Ballin made this print, of unknown date, after an antique bust of Lycurgus, the lawgiver of ancient Sparta. During the 19th century, there was an enthusiastic revival of classical antiquity, a phenomenon which included an interest in disseminating images of ancient leaders and thinkers. In this context, Ballin's engraving contributes to the understanding of 19th-century cultural and political values. The engraving immortalizes Lycurgus, celebrated for his influence in shaping Spartan society through law and order. The composition, with its formal bust and classical frame, evokes a sense of authority, yet also of the distant past. Consider the power of images and how their circulation shapes collective memory and societal values. The work allows for a quiet reflection on how historical figures continue to influence and inspire contemporary ideals.