The Ashes of Trajan Carried in a Triumphal Procession 

Luigi Ademollo created this etching, "The Ashes of Trajan Carried in a Triumphal Procession" sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century. It presents a grand scene of ancient Roman funerary practice. Ademollo was working in Italy, during a period when many European states were looking back to antiquity for models of civic virtue and social order. His work reflects a fascination with the grandeur of the Roman Empire, but also invites us to consider the social and political functions of such displays of power. Funeral processions, like triumphal entries, were carefully orchestrated events, designed to reinforce social hierarchies and legitimize the power of the ruling elite. Ademollo's image offers a glimpse into the visual culture of power, reminding us that even in death, the Roman emperors sought to shape their public image and perpetuate their legacy. By studying such works, in combination with textual sources, and archaeological evidence, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, power, and social memory in ancient Rome.