Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Domitian, from The Twelve Caesars

Art Historical Context

Behold the commanding profile of Emperor Domitian in this exquisite engraving by Marcantonioondi, a cornerstone of Renaissance printmaking. Titled *Speculum Romanae Magnificent: Domitian, from Twelve Caesars*, this work dates to circa 1500–1534 and represents the second state of three showcasing subtle refinements in the printing process. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, captures the Roman ruler in the classical profile style, evoking ancient and busts that symbolized imperial power. Raimondi, a master engraver from Bologna, revolutionized the medium ...

About the Artist

Marcantonio Raimondi · 1475–1534

Marcantonio Raimondi (c. 1480–1534), born near Bologna, Italy, emerged as one of the Renaissance's premier engravers, revolutionizing printmaking through his mastery of reproductive techniques. He trained in the workshop of the goldsmith, painter, and niellist Francesco Francia, whose influence is evident in his early engravings, such as the goldsmith-like shading in *Pyramus and Thisbe* (1505), h...