Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: A Marble Plaque with Military Insignia
Medium
Engraving; first state of two (Robert-Dumesnil)
Dimensions
sheet: 13 9/16 x 19 1/8 in. (34.5 x 48.5 cm) plate: 9 3/16 x 10 13/16 in. (23.4 x 27.4 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1941
Accession Number
41.72(3.16)
Tags
About this artwork
This engraving reproduces an ancient Roman marble relief depicting military insignia and decorative elements, making classical antiquities accessible to Renaissance scholars, artists, and collectors. The print presents the carved plaque with careful attention to the sculptural relief, capturing the standards, eagles, and martial symbols that represented Roman military power. Beatrizet's engraving exemplifies the documentary function of Renaissance printmaking, preserving knowledge of ancient mon...