Trophies of the Dacians, Sarmatians and other peoples of the allies in the band and carved into the pedestal of Trajan column 

Editor: This engraving, "Trophies of the Dacians, Sarmatians and other peoples of the allies in the band and carved into the pedestal of Trajan column" by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, it's so detailed! The shading really gives depth to the scene, and I’m immediately struck by the symbolic weight of it all. What stands out to you? Curator: It's a powerful image, isn't it? Note the Roman obsession with the spoils of war. These aren't just objects; they're stand-ins for entire cultures subdued by Roman power. The shields, the weapons... do you see how they are not just randomly placed, but are deliberately arranged to signal both victory and, perhaps subtly, the cost of it? Editor: I see what you mean. It's like the trophies embody the lost identity of those conquered peoples. Curator: Precisely! And observe the allegorical figure inscribing upon the shield or tablet. Who do you think she might represent and what message is she preserving? Consider, also, how her presence invites a conversation about what Rome wants to be remembered for and what they actively omit. Editor: I’m guessing that is either a Roman godess or allegorical representation of Roman History. This makes me think about whose stories get told and preserved and from what perspective! I can't help but notice the broken tablets on the bottom, too... like stories or messages that did not prevail... Curator: An excellent observation! These fragments point to an unacknowledged side of history: stories buried or actively destroyed. It's a visual cue that acknowledges what could be regarded a blind spot. These images become a testament to the weight of time. Editor: Thinking about those omitted stories definitely gives the artwork a different tone for me; heavier, more contemplative. Thank you! Curator: Indeed! We come to understand these images are always engaged in a silent dialogue between victors and the vanquished, present and absent. Thank you.