Artwork
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Elephants Carrying Torches
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Elephants Carrying Torches is a print by the Renaissance artist Andrea Andreani. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This chiaroscuro woodcut series, commissioned by Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga, recreates Andrea Mantegna’s 15th-century painting, 'The Triumph of Julius Caesar'. The work depicts Caesar’s triumphal procession after conquering Gaul in 52 BC, divided into continuous frieze-like sections.
Subject & Meaning
The series vividly portrays a Roman triumph, sanctioned by the Senate, following Caesar’s Gaul conquest. Scenes include typical procession elements, as described in ancient texts, showcasing the spectacle and grandeur of the event.
Technique & Style
Employing chiaroscuro, the woodcuts dramatically contrast light and dark, with deep shadows evoking a stage-like setting. Notably, 'Elephants Carrying Torches' features glowing, wrinkled elephant skin and flickering firelight reflected on the crowd below.
History & Provenance
Originally painted by Mantegna, the work was later reproduced as woodcuts by Andrea Andreani. The print set includes a Mantegna portrait bust frontispiece and interchangeable classical column sheets (two orange fragments remain in the fourth scene).
Context
Owners often displayed the complete set as a decorative frieze, sometimes augmented with the provided column cutouts. The work’s popularity stemmed from its reproduction of renowned paintings, attracting viewers as described in the frontispiece text.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Andreani (1540–1623) was an Italian engraver on wood, who was among the first printmakers in Italy to use chiaroscuro, which required multiple colours.
Virgin and Child with St. John, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Francis
The Triumph of Julius Caesar
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Frontispiece
The Abduction of the Sabine Women
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Procession of Men, Women and Children
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Soldiers Carrying the Pictures of War
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Caesar Triumphant
Mucius Scaevola
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Soldiers Marching with Trophies of War
The Triumph of Caesar: The Elephants
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Soldiers Carrying Banners and Standards
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Soldiers Carrying Vases
The Triumphs of Caesar: Elephants![The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.5 and 6 plus 2 columns], by Andrea Andreani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/andrea-andreani--the-triumph-of-julius-caesar-no-5-and-6-plus-2-columns--89574bdb08c8732e-w320.webp)
The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.5 and 6 plus 2 columns]
The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Soldiers Carrying Vases and Trophies of War![The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.1 and 2 plus 2 columns], by Andrea Andreani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/andrea-andreani--the-triumph-of-julius-caesar-no-1-and-2-plus-2-columns--72fc49376c9f9633-w320.webp)
The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.1 and 2 plus 2 columns]![The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.9 plus 2 columns], by Andrea Andreani](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/andrea-andreani--the-triumph-of-julius-caesar-no-9-plus-2-columns--26f4d2249baf2916-w320.webp)
The Triumph of Julius Caesar [no.9 plus 2 columns]