Trajan Column exhibition in the Boboli Gardens

Trajan Column exhibition in the Boboli Gardens

bookmark
Mon 24 Jun 2019 3:08 PM

A striking exhibition in the Boboli Gardens details how the Trajan Column was built. Raised by the Emperor Trajan in Rome in 113 AD to celebrate the conquest of Dacia (modern Romania), it has survived almost two millennia. The densely decorated column communicates the accomplishments of the Emperor Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus in continuously unravelling scenes that spiral 23 times to the top. 

 

 

Building a Fortification in Lower Moesia. Plaster cast of one of the reliefs of Trajan’s Column

 

 

The Art of Building a Masterpiece: the Trajan Column is the title of the exhibition running until October 6 that the Uffizi Galleries, in collaboration with the Galileo Museum, is dedicating to this imposing monument. Set in the Limonaia Grande, the show features an in-depth analysis of historical, archaeological and iconographic documents to tell the story of this work. The techniques used to extract the 29 gigantic marble blocks in the quarries of the Apuan Alps and how they were transported to Rome as well as scale models of the column and the machines used in the construction all feature in the exhibition. There are artefacts on loan from over 20 museums, including reliefs, mosaics and an incredible tapestry depicting Trajan discussing the project with Apollodorus of Damascus, the original architect.

 

Noted for its revolutionary architecture and complex engineering, the Trajan Column is a testament to the highest achievements of Roman civilization.

Related articles

NEWS

Public transport in Florence and Tuscany becomes contactless

Visa cardholders can ride for free from April 10 to May 5, 2024.

NEWS

Sephora opens flagship store in via dei Calzaiuoli

Highlights include make-up services and just-released beauty ranges.

NEWS

Changes at the Uffizi

Paperless ticketing, evening and the occasional Monday openings

LIGHT MODE
DARK MODE