Plate 4: equestrian statue of Caligula, seen three-quarters to the left, wearing a winged helmet and holding double-headed arrows, a military scene in the background, from 'Roman Emperors on Horseback'

Art Historical Context

Step into the grandeur of ancient Rome through *Plate 4: e statue of Caligula from the series *Roman Emperors on Horseback*, exquisite engraving produced around 1587–89. Designed by the inventive Flemish artist Jan van der Stra, known as Stradanus and masterfully engraved by Philips Galle and Adria Collaert, this captures the Northern Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity. Part of a celebrated series from Antwerp's vibrant printmaking hub, it measures about 12½ by 8½ inches and is squared in graphite, hinting at its use as a transferable model for artists or decorators. The image presents Caligula, the infamous Roman emperor (r. 37–41 CE), astride a rearing horse in dynamic three-quarter view to the left. He dons a dramatic winged helmet and grips double-headed arrows, evoking martial prowess, while a bustling military scene unfolds in the background. Though history remembers Caligula for his excesses, this heroic portrayal draws from idealized equestrian statues and medals, symbolizing imperial power and triumph—common motifs in Renaissance revivals of Greco-Roman heroism. Engraving's fine lines allowed precise detail and widespread dissemination, making imperial glory accessible to Europe's elite. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this work bridges antiquity and the early modern era, reminding us how artists like Stradanus reimagined the past to inspire their time.

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...