The Triumph of Titus and Vespasian 1540

Giulio Romano painted ‘The Triumph of Titus and Vespasian’ with oil on wood in the 16th century. The Italian Renaissance, the era in which Romano was working, was a period of renewed interest in classical antiquity. In this painting, Romano imagines a triumphal procession. These processions were more than just military parades; they were carefully staged events designed to reinforce the power and legitimacy of the Roman emperors. Note the figures of Titus and Vespasian, they are depicted as divinely ordained rulers. The winged figure of victory hovers above them, poised to crown them with laurel wreaths, symbols of glory and honor. Yet, we might also reflect on who is missing from this picture. Where are the voices and faces of those who were conquered? History, as it is presented here, is a narrative crafted by the victors. The painting thus invites us to consider whose stories are told and whose are silenced in the grand narratives of power.