Artwork

Title Page for Hubert Goltzius's Icones Imperatorvm Romanorvm (Opera Omnia, V)

Title Page for Hubert Goltzius's Icones Imperatorvm Romanorvm (Opera Omnia, V) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Galle I. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This engraving on laid paper served as the title page for Hubert Goltzius's Icones Imperatorvm Romanorvm, a collection of Roman imperial portraits.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts three figures in Roman armor on a platform, with a child wearing a crown and toga, suggesting a narrative about power and authority. The composition and details imply a story beyond a simple portrait.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases refined technique and classical influences, reflecting the artist's training and experience in Italy. Cornelis Galle the Elder, the engraver, was known for producing plates after designs by others, as well as his own work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1645 by Cornelis Galle the Elder, who was trained by his father Philip Galle and later studied in Rome. Galle worked as a printseller in Antwerp and was active in producing engravings.