The Triumphs of Caesar: The Senators

The Triumphs of Caesar: The Senators by Andrea Mantegna is a highly significant engraving dating to the 15th or early 16th century (1400-1500). This print is part of Mantegna's celebrated series depicting the Triumphs of Caesar, the military procession celebrating Julius Caesar's victorious return to Rome. As a master of the Italian Renaissance, Mantegna originally conceived this massive work as nine large paintings executed in tempera for the Gonzaga family in Mantua.

The scene, identified within the overall sequence, focuses specifically on the Roman elite participating in the procession. Mantegna’s keen interest in classical antiquity, characteristic of the Quattrocento in Italy, is evident in the detailed representation of Roman costume and architectural elements. While the original series was executed in tempera, the subsequent production of prints, like this example, allowed Mantegna’s iconic compositions to circulate widely across Europe, solidifying his reputation. This use of the engraving medium was crucial for disseminating the artist's classical vision.

This exceptional example of an early Italian print showcases Mantegna’s skill in rendering complex narrative scenes. The influence of the The Triumphs of Caesar series on subsequent artists was profound, establishing a high standard for history painting and the classical revival. Today, the Cleveland Museum of Art holds this important piece within its collection, providing public access to one of the most celebrated print cycles of the Renaissance. As a historical work now often available in the public domain, this imagery continues to inspire historical and art historical study.