The lansdowne Trajan: Unveiling the Story Behind the Iconic Statue

A captivating blend of imperial portraiture and classical idealism, the Lansdowne Trajan statue, currently housed at the san Antonio Museum of art, presents a unique artistic puzzle. This composite statue features a head sculpted in the likeness of Roman Emperor Trajan (A.D.98-117) atop a separate, idealized nude torso .The statue’s journey through centuries of aristocratic ownership adds another layer to its intriguing history.

The Making of an Emperor: Trajan’s Legacy

Trajan, who ruled the Roman Empire from 98 to 117 A.D., was a highly successful Roman Emperor. Born in Italica, Spain, Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent through military conquests in the Near East and Eastern Europe [1], [2], [3]. His portraits often depict a short hairstyle, reminiscent of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.

Did You No? Trajan was the first Roman Emperor born outside of Italy.

Deconstructing the Statue: head and Torso

The Lansdowne Trajan statue combines a portrait head of Emperor Trajan, dating from approximately A.D. 98-117, with a nude torso created during the 1st or 2nd century A.D. The slender, finely carved torso likely originated from a statue of a youthful god or mythological hero. The combination of the head and torso likely occurred in the 1700s, marking the beginning of its documented journey through prominent collections.

Dimensions and Details

The statue stands at an impressive height of 81 3/8 inches (206.7 cm), with a width of 31 3/4 inches (80.7 cm) and a depth of 23 7/8 inches (60.6 cm). These dimensions highlight the statue’s significant presence and artistic impact.

provenance: A Journey Through History

The Lansdowne Trajan boasts a rich provenance, tracing back to the 18th century. It was likely sold by Robert and James Adam to William Petty-fitzmaurice,the first Marquess of Lansdowne,by 1765. The statue remained within the Lansdowne family for generations, passing through inheritance until it was sold at Christie’s London in 1930. After changing hands in Stockholm, it resurfaced at Christie’s New York in 1999, where the San Antonio Museum of Art acquired it.

Pro Tip: Provenance research is crucial for understanding the history and value of