Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Nero, from The Twelve Caesars

Art Historical Context

Behold the striking profile of Emperor Nero inSpeculum Romanae Magnificent: Nero, from The Caesars*, an exquisite engraving by Marcantonioondi, the Renaissance masteraver active around 1500–1534. This second state of three captures Nero in a classical profile pose, evoking ancient Roman and busts, surrounded by intricate architectural motifs that celebrate Rome's imperial grandeur. Raimondi's precise line work—hallmarks of his skill in translating designs from artists like Raphael into reproducible prints—made such images accessible to collectors across Europe. Part of the famed *Speculum Rom...

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...