Italy (Rome, Arch of Septimius Severus)

Winged Victory Relief on the Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome

3061

Date Created: Erected in 203 AD to celebrate the decennalia of Emperor Septimius Severus. Period: The Severan Dynasty (High Imperial Roman Period), an epoch characterized by monumental triumphal architecture, dynamic figural reliefs, and a shift toward expressionistic, crowded compositions reflecting the military focus of the empire.

Triumphal Propaganda and Commemoration: Functionally, the sculptural panels celebrate Emperor Septimius Severus's decisive military victories in Parthia and Arabia, legitimizing his dynasty through divine triumph. Imperial Ideology: Symbolically, the winged Victories carrying trophies embody the eternal triumph of Rome and the divine favor (victoria augusti) bestowed upon the emperor and his sons, Caracalla and Geta.