c. 1785-1800

Agrippina with Her Children Going through the Roman Camp

English (born America), 1738 - 1820

This work shows an early episode in the life of Agrippina, a Roman woman who accompanied her husband Germanicus on campaign. During a mutiny of the Roman troops, the pregnant Agrippina and her infant son Caligula attempted to leave the camp, but the soldiers were moved by her departure and eventually gave up the revolt. This etching and aquatint has been painstakingly touched with colored wash, perhaps by West himself. About 1800, West became interested in new graphic and reproductive processes and worked closely with publishers and engravers in making prints of his works.