GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This small engraving presents a legendary episode in the life of the ancient Roman emperor Trajan. As recounted by Cassius Dio (155–235 BCE), Trajan was stopped on his way to battle by a widow demanding justice for her small son, who was carelessly slain by the emperor’s son. Trajan, seen here on a horse extending his hand to the grieving woman, offered his own son to take the place of her dead child. An example of compassion and empathy shown by a ruler toward his citizens, the narrative held great appeal to leaders in the following centuries.
The 16th-century German style of the figures in the image contrast with the classical Roman plaque at the top, bringing the story up-to-date while reminding the viewer of its ancient past. The artist cleverly disrupts the separation of content from illustration, however, as the pointed tips of Trajan’s spear and that of his flag bearer break through the text panel and highlight the illusion of three-dimensional space.
Excerpt from
Nicole Myers, DMA label copy, 2018.
NOTES
Created in 1537
Checked Piction
Geo probably Frankfurt
3rd state
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Beham, Hans Sebald (German, 1500-1550)
Cultures
Geography
Place of origin: Germany (nation): TGN: 7000084
Process/materials
Engraving on paper
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
- Journal of Historians of Netherlandish Art~Read the essay "Sebald Beham: Entrepeneur, Printmaker, Painter" by Alison G. Stewart to learn more about Hans Sebald Beham.
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo~View more works by Beham at the Albright-Knox Gallery.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
Apply to objects where number equals 1964.23
Category
rules_operator
AND
General Description
This small engraving presents a legendary episode in the life of the ancient Roman emperor Trajan. As recounted by Cassius Dio (155–235 BCE), Trajan was stopped on his way to battle by a widow demanding justice for her small son, who was carelessly slain by the emperor’s son. Trajan, seen here on a horse extending his hand to the grieving woman, offered his own son to take the place of her dead child. An example of compassion and empathy shown by a ruler toward his citizens, the narrative held great appeal to leaders in the following centuries.
The 16th-century German style of the figures in the image contrast with the classical Roman plaque at the top, bringing the story up-to-date while reminding the viewer of its ancient past. The artist cleverly disrupts the separation of content from illustration, however, as the pointed tips of Trajan’s spear and that of his flag bearer break through the text panel and highlight the illusion of three-dimensional space.
Excerpt from
Nicole Myers, DMA label copy, 2018.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
- Journal of Historians of Netherlandish Art~Read the essay "Sebald Beham: Entrepeneur, Printmaker, Painter" by Alison G. Stewart to learn more about Hans Sebald Beham.
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo~View more works by Beham at the Albright-Knox Gallery.
Notes
Created in 1537
Checked Piction
Geo probably Frankfurt
3rd state
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Beham, Hans Sebald (German, 1500-1550)
Cultures
Geography
Place of origin: Germany (nation): TGN: 7000084
Process/materials
Engraving on paper
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1964.23
source file
object_notes_2_d-0335.xml.nores