Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Column of Trajan 1582

This anonymous 1582 engraving, "Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Column of Trajan", presents an architectural study of the famed Roman monument. The detailed drawing showcases a cross-section view of the column's interior, revealing the spiral staircase that ascends to the top. Alongside this, a full-frontal view of the column with its intricate base and capital is presented, along with various architectural details like plan views of the column's base and top. This artwork serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with Roman architectural achievements during the Renaissance, offering a detailed blueprint for its construction and design. The artwork's focus on technical accuracy and anatomical precision aligns with the Renaissance's interest in classical architecture, particularly evident in the detailed depiction of the column's internal structure and decorative elements.