Title page for "Roman Emperors on Horseback"

Art Historical Context

This elegant engraving serves as the title page for the series *Roman Emperors onback*, created around 1587–89 by a talented trio: designer Jan van der Straetknown as Stradanus), a Flemish artist for his inventive compositions, and engravers Philips Galle and Aden Collaert. Produced during the late Renaissance in Antwerp, a hub of printmaking innovation, it captures the era's fascination with classical antiquity. The imagery likely features mounted Roman emperors amid symbols like eagles—evoking imperial power and victory—blending portraiture with dynamic equestrian scenes. As a first-state impression, this print represents the earliest version before later alterations, making it a prized rarity for collectors. Engraving, with its precise lines and tonal depth achieved through burin work on copper plates, allowed for widespread dissemination of elaborate designs that would otherwise remain elite sketches. Measuring about 13 x 9 inches on the plate, it exemplifies how Northern European artists used prints to educate and inspire, bridging ancient history with contemporary audiences. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, 1956), this work highlights the collaborative genius of 16th-century workshops, where design met masterful technique to immortalize Rome's legendary rulers.

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...