Italy (Rome, Arch of Septimius Severus)

Winged Victory Spandrel and Coffered Archivolt on the Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome

3062

Date Created: Erected in 203 AD in honor of Emperor Septimius Severus. Period: The Severan Dynasty (High Imperial Roman Period), an epoch spanning from 193 to 211 AD, characterized by monumental triumphal architecture, dynamic figural reliefs, and a growing stylistic shift toward expressionistic, high-contrast surface textures.

Triumphal Propaganda and Commemoration: Functionally, the sculptural panels and decorative archivolts celebrate Emperor Septimius Severus's decisive military victories in Parthia and Arabia. Imperial Ideology: Symbolically, the winged Victories bearing trophies embody the eternal triumph of Rome, divine favor (victoria augusti), and the legitimacy of the Severan imperial dynasty over its enemies.