The Triumph of Julius Caesar: Caesar Triumphant

1593–99

after Andrea Mantegna

(Italian, about 1431–1506)

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Culture

Italy, 16th century

Medium

chiaroscuro woodcut

Measurements

Sheet: 36.7 x 37.8 cm (14 7/16 x 14 7/8 in.); Matted: 52.9 x 50.8 cm (20 13/16 x 20 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1930.583.10

Catalogue raisonné

Bartsch XII.101.11 # 9 of a set of 9 (p. 102)

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Location

Not on view

Description

Enthroned in an elaborate chariot, Caesar rides past a triumphal arch. He holds a palm branch, the traditional attribute of Victory, depicted here as the winged allegorical figure holding a laurel crown above Caesar’s head. Ancient reports of triumphs agree this task was typically assigned to a slave. The words VENI, VEDI, VICI on the banner famously translate as “I came, I saw, I conquered.”