Trajan's Column: Roman Art, History, and Dacian Triumphs

The incidence of projection light produces shadows of varying intensity. In the various scenes, using a high viewpoint allows one to see more clearly how figures appear at different levels. The depth is limited. There are several environmental, landscape, and architectural allusions, although featuring smaller figures. It is a relief characterized by figurative realism. The drapery treatment is austere, but one can distinguish the different groups represented.

Trajan's Column: Style and Historical Context

Trajan, son of Italica, succeeded Nerva, his adoptive father. Nerva had scarcely time to build an imperial forum in Rome, but in the twenty-year rule of Trajan, the empire was filled with magnificent buildings. Trajan's Column, a monumental work of imperial art, stands alongside the triumphal Arch of Benevento. It was constructed in 114 AD. The reliefs that decorate its exterior walls and the lower arc are dedicated to scenes that perpetuate the glory of Trajan. The emperor is always represented in scenes of peace. There is a relief in the scene that represents the three Capitoline deities. The reliefs that best serve to represent the paternal government are the two that decorate the interior of the Arch of Benevento. For the glorification of his military achievements and in memory of his campaigns against the Dacians, Trajan erected the great column in the Imperial Forum.

Historical Precedents and Enduring Influence

The Romans commemorated historical events with reliefs on triumphal columns, following traditions from Egypt and Mesopotamia. While drawing on these traditions, this specific monument has no direct Roman precedents in its continuous narrative style. Historical relief as monumental sculpture began to lose momentum from the time of Constantine. Nevertheless, Trajan's Column would become the prototype that would be followed in subsequent works.

Notable Scenes on Trajan's Column

• Barbarian Envoys Before Trajan

  This scene depicts a group of barbarian envoys in the presence of Emperor Trajan. They appear represented at the observer's eye level. To create a sensation of depth, a high viewpoint is employed.

• The Romans Attacked by Barbarians

  Dacian troops threaten the camp from the front and right. The Romans in the camp launch projectiles from the top of the wall. The scene lacks complete visual logic: the Dacians are placed at the observer's level, while the Roman camp and its defenders are viewed from above. The walls of the camp are depicted as ridiculously low, drawing the viewer's attention to the combatants.

• Victory Writing on a Shield

  The victory over the Dacian army is marked by a scene depicting an image, possibly inspired by the Aphrodite of Capua, who writes on a shield celebrating Trajan's triumph.