Art History 1 Unit 3 Essay
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Rutgers University**We aren't endorsed by this school
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080 106
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Accounting
Date
Dec 27, 2024
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3
Uploaded by ColonelDanger16029
Liam GunningUnit #3 Essay #1Prof. Gorle6/11/2024The Arch of Titus, Rome, c. 81Column of Trajan, Rome, dedicated c. 110 ce,ce. Marble, height 50 ft. (15.2 m).(Page 335)Marble, height 128 ft. (39.01 m).(Page 340)Deciphering the Message of Trajan’s Column vs. The Arch of TitusIn the heart of Rome stands a towering testament to the might and conquest of one of thegreatest emperors in Roman history: Trajan’s Column. Rising majestically, this monument notonly celebrates victories but also narrates the intricacies of warfare and the glory of conquestthrough its intricate relief sculptures. Among the myriad of stories carved onto its spiralingsurface, the recounting of wars against the Dacians stands out as a vivid portrayal of Romanmilitary prowess and imperial ideology.So what is the purpose of the column itself? The relief sculptures of Trajan’s Columnoffer a panoramic view of the military campaigns against the Dacians, capturing the true essenceof Roman warfare and the imperial agenda of its time. One particular sequence of events,spanning multiple panels, serves as a lens of the column's overarching message and sheds lighton the ideas of war, conquest, and ancient imperial propaganda. The first episode of this
sequence depicts the Roman army crossing the Danube River, a powerful barrier separating theRoman Empire from the Dacian territories. Here, the figures are depicted in a dynamiccomposition, showcasing themes of determination and discipline of the Roman soldiers as theynavigate the treacherous waters. The relationship between the figures within the sculptureconveys a sense of unity and purpose, highlighting the collective effort required for such amonumental task. This event sets the stage for the subsequent panels, which depict the variousphases of the Roman military campaign. In the next episode, we witness the Roman soldiersengaging in an intense battle against the Dacian forces. The intricate details of combat, soldierswielding weapons, horses charging across the battlefield, and the overall chaos of war, aremeticulously illustrated, immersing the viewer in the intensity of the conflict. Amidst thecarnage, Trajan himself, who is portrayed as a larger-than-life figure, emerges as a centralsymbol of leadership, inspiring his troops to victory. The culmination of the sequence unfolds inthe triumphant scenes of the Roman conquest of Dacia. Here, we see the defeated Dacian kingkneeling before Trajan, offering his submission and surrender to the Roman Empire. Thecomposition exudes a sense of power imbalance, with Trajan towering above his defeated foe,symbolizing a sense of superiority Roman civilization had over its conquered enemies.Surrounding Trajan are figures of Roman soldiers, their expressions ranging from joy to sorrow,reflecting the complex emotions evoked by victory in war. This sequence of events encapsulatesthe overarching message of Trajan’s Column, which is the glorification and embellishment ofRoman military prowess and imperial expansion. Through meticulous craftsmanship andstrategic narrative composition, the relief sculptures convey a narrative of triumph over one’senemy, portraying Trajan as a heroic figure destined for greatness. The column serves as apowerful instrument of imperial propaganda, reinforcing the ideology of Roman superiority andconquest.Comparing Trajan’s Column to the narrative of the Arch of Titus reveals stark differencesin their portrayal of war and conquest. While both monuments celebrate military victories,Trajan’s Column offers a more polished and detailed account of warfare, presenting a panoramicview of the entire military campaign rather than focusing solely on a single event. Trajan’sColumn emphasizes the role of leadership and collective effort in achieving victory, while theArch of Titus places a greater emphasis on individual heroism and divine intervention. The Archof Titus does this by focusing on a singular moment of triumph known as “The Sacking ofJerusalem”. The Arch of Titus glorifies individual heroism and themes of “divine favor”, withthe victorious Roman soldiers depicted as triumphant figures, while Trajan's Column emphasizesthe broader scope of Roman expansion and the inevitability of Roman dominance through war.Trajan's Column showcases a more nuanced portrayal of warfare, capturing the intricacies ofbattle and the complexities of imperial ideology, whereas the Arch of Titus serves as a monumentto the spoils of war, celebrating the conquest of one specific enemy.
In conclusion, the relief sculptures of Trajan’s Column provide a vivid portrayal of Romanwarfare and imperial ideology, offering viewers a lens into the physical and emotionalcomplexities of war and the glorification of military might. Through meticulous craftsmanshipand narrative composition, the column conveys a message of triumph and Roman dominance,immortalizing Trajan as a symbol of Roman leadership and military prowess. As a powerfulsymbol of the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire, Trajan’s Column stands as a toweringmonument of the triumph of Roman civilization.