Page:Marcus Aurelius (Haines 1916).djvu/9



This is one of twelve panels from the Triumphal Arch of Marcus, erected on the Capitol in 176 ''in honour of the double conquest of Germans and Sarmatians. It represents two German captives brought in by a praetorian guard. They are begging the Emperor's mercy, which the protective gesture of his hand shews is being granted. The face of Marcus is grave and sad. Behind him appears the praetorian prefect, Bassaeus Rufus. The composition of the work is fine and effective. This panel with others was taken from the Church of Santa Martina on the Capitol in 1525 and is now preserved on the first landing of the Palace of the Conservatori at Rome''.