The victory of Scipio over Syphax

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Victory of Scipio over Syax*, a dynamic 16th-century engraving capturing a pivotal moment from the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE). Roman general Publius Cornelius Sc Africanus triumphed over the Numidian king Syax, a key ally of Carthage's Hannibal, securing Roman dominance in North Africa. Created between 1530 and 1560 by the Master of the Die—likely an anonymous Italian engraver working in Rome—and associated with publisher Philippe Thomassin, this print revives ancient history through Renaissance eyes, blending classical heroism with contemporary martial fervor. Engraving, the medium here, revolutionized art dissemination in the 16th century. Artists incised intricate lines into copper plates, inking them to produce detailed, reproducible images on paper—ideal for depicting chaotic battles filled with charging horses, clashing weapons, waving flags, and armored men. Measuring just 7 11/16 x 9 7/16 inches, this intimate sheet packs epic scale, showcasing the master's skill in conveying motion and drama. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1917 through the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, it exemplifies how prints preserved and popularized historical narratives, inspiring viewers with tales of strategy and valor across centuries.

About the Artist

Master of the Die|Philippe Thomassin · 1525–1560

**Master of the Die** (fl. 1525–1560) was an anonymous Italian engraver and printmaker active primarily in Rome during the mid-16th century. Named for the distinctive small die he used to sign his prints—a tiny emblematic mark that became his moniker—this elusive artist remains unidentified despite scholarly proposals linking him to figures like Benedetto Verino, Giovanni Francesco Zabello, Tommas...