Plate 3: equestrian statue of Tiberius, in profile to the left, with a naval landscape on pedestal below, from 'Roman Emperors on Horseback'

Art Historical Context

Behold Plate 3 from the captivating series *Roman Emperors Horseback*, an exquisite engraving produced around 1587–89 by a stellar collaboration: designs by Jan van der Straet (called Stradanus), with engravings by Philips Galle Adriaen Colla. These Antwerp masters of the Northern Renaissance channeled their fascination with classical antiquity into this print, depicting an equestrian statue of Emperor Tiberius in left profile. Mounted powerfully, Tiberius embodies imperial might, while the pedestal below features a detailed naval landscape—evoking his historical naval campaigns and Rome's maritime dominance. This work exemplifies the era's printmaking prowess, where fine engravings allowed widespread dissemination of grand historical imagery. The meticulous lines capture dynamic motion in the horse, intricate armor, and weapons, blending portraiture with landscape elements. Squared in graphite, it hints at its use as a transferable model, underscoring the technical innovation of 16th-century workshops. Part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this 12 15/16 × 8 9/16 in. sheet invites us to marvel at Renaissance humanists' revival of Roman glory, bridging ancient emperors with early modern artistry.

About the Artist

Philips Galle|Adriaen Collaert|Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus · 1537–1612

Philips Galle (1537–1612) was a leading Netherlandish engraver, designer, and print publisher whose career bridged the vibrant artistic scenes of Haarlem and Antwerp. Born in Haarlem, he studied under the humanist engraver Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert, honing his skills in reproductive printmaking. Early on, Galle produced engravings after the Haarlem master Maarten van Heemskerck, capturing the Man...