Venationes is the name given to the spectacles held in the public arenas of Ancient Rome.
This form of entertainment, based on the siege and subsequent killing of wild and exotic animals, was intended to demonstrate power and authority over the animals, who were considered inferior and therefore subject to human domination. These events were represented in paintings and mosaics, always highlighting the superiority of one of the parties. However, it was not until the 19th century that venationes became a genre of engravings that illustrated hunting actions of “wild beasts” – real or from bestiaries – in all kinds of settings.
