The Justice of Trajan

Among the most enduring legends passed down from the Middle Ages is the story of Emperor Trajan and a grieving widow. According to the tale, Trajan was preparing to leave with his army to a war when a poor woman approached him, pleading for justice over the unlawful killing of her son. Rather than putting her off until his return from the war, Trajan delayed his departure to hear her case immediately and provide her justice. The episode became a favorite subject for artists across the medieval and early modern periods, since it tells the story of a pagan ruler as a model of compassion and fairness. Painted in 1765, Noel Halle’s “The Justice of Trajan” is a fine example of a painting which depicts this story. It is an oil on canvas painting prepared for the Chateau de Choisy at the request of the Marquis de Marigny. The canvas eventually made its way to the Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille, where it remains today. At the centre of the painting appears Trajan. He is seen listening to the appeal of the distressed woman, who kneels down along with her two sons by her side, as she tells the injustice met to her.Behind the emperor, a soldier steadies his restless horse, while additional troops appear in the background, gesturing toward the military campaign the emperor has just interrupted. Today, the painting remains a masterpiece and a brilliant example of history painting.