The Triumphs of Caesar
Andrea Mantegna
The Triumphs of Caesar the bearers of trophies and Bullion by Andrea Mantegna is one of nine pieces that depict Caesar’s triumphant return to Rome after victories in other lands. This painting depicts all the gold and coins that Caesar brought back with him symbolizing the wealth that Caesar will bring to Rome and the new empire. (The Triumphs of Caesar, Wikipedia) In this painting, all of the armor, gold, coins, and art are piled up to purposefully to show the power that Caesar has and how miniscule another countries belongings are compared to Caesar. However, there is also another side of this painting which is that of melancholy and sadness. (Jones, Jonathan, The Triumphs of Caesar)The soldiers are not gloating or extremely overwhelmed with joy because many men were lost; one soldier is looking down at the ground pensively thinking. (Jones, Jonathan, The Triumphs of Caesar)This shows that while Caesar is powerful, he also realizes that he is not the perfect human being and mourns for the deaths of his soldiers.
In history, these paintings symbolize Caesars rise and control of power in Rome. Caesar has just come back from conquests in faraway lands such as Macedonia, and is now returning to seize the power that he feels is his, in Rome. (The Triumphs of Caesar, Wikipedia)This painting symbolizes the wealth Caesar acquired on his excursions and power that he can bring to Rome.
The Triumphs of Caesar shows Caesar as the powerful dictator he will become. He comes back into Rome with a victory and wealth which makes Romans happy. This allows him to easily take the throne and pronounce himself emperor over all. Though, unlike Hitler and Napoleon, in these paintings Caesar is not depicted as this all-powerful, almost god-like ruler. He is depicted as a human being. A powerful human being no doubt, but still a human being.