The Apotheosis of Romulus - Giovanni Battista Fontana

A 1573 etching by Giovanni Battista Fontana depicting the mythological ascension of Romulus into the heavens amidst a storm.

This etching by Giovanni Battista Fontana, dated 1573, depicts the legendary ascension of Romulus, the founder of Rome, into the heavens. The composition captures the moment of divine transformation, where Romulus is seen rising amidst a turbulent storm, leaving his mortal followers in a state of confusion and awe below. The scene is framed by Latin inscriptions at the top and bottom, which provide context for the mythological event, describing the sudden tempest and the subsequent divine honours bestowed upon the hero.

Fontana employs a characteristic Mannerist approach to the human form, with figures displaying elongated proportions and dynamic, twisting poses. The sense of movement is heightened by the swirling clouds and the agitated gestures of the soldiers on the ground, who react to the supernatural occurrence with varied expressions of alarm and reverence. The etching technique allows for a high degree of detail in the rendering of armour, drapery, and the atmospheric effects of the storm. The shading is achieved through a series of fine, parallel lines that create volume and depth, typical of the printmaking style of the late sixteenth century in Italy.

As a printmaker active in Venice and Verona, Fontana often drew inspiration from classical literature and history. This work is part of a larger series exploring Roman themes, reflecting the period's fascination with antiquity. The print demonstrates the technical skill required to translate complex narrative scenes into a monochrome medium, balancing the chaotic energy of the storm with the structured, classical subject matter. The inclusion of the artist's signature and date on a small tablet within the composition confirms its provenance and place within his body of work. This piece offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Italian Renaissance, where mythological narratives were frequently reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary artistic conventions.