Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Column of Trajan 1480 - 1562

This anonymous engraving from the 16th century depicts the Column of Trajan, a Roman triumphal column erected in 113 AD in honor of Emperor Trajan. The artwork is a detailed representation of the column's spiral relief, which narrates the emperor's military campaigns, a key example of Roman propaganda. This engraving, likely intended for a wider audience beyond just scholars, emphasizes the scale and grandeur of the monument, placing it in a detailed context with surrounding buildings. The intricate detail of the column's frieze and base highlights the power of art to communicate history and imperial glory.