The Praetorians Relief

The Praetorians Relief is a Roman marble sculpture from around 51–52 AD. It originally came from the Arch of Claudius in Rome and now resides at the Louvre. It depicts 3 soldiers in high relief in the foreground, with two others in the background, accompanied by a standard bearer. They are made in bas-relief, an art style where shapes are raised above a flat background. The standard-bearer holds an aquila legionary standard. The soldiers have been identified as Praetorians due to the richness of their uniforms and helmets, and their oval shields. The Arch of Claudius, erected in AD 51, commemoratated the conquest of Britain.

The Praetorians Relief is carved from grey-veined white marble. It was originally painted in bright, vibrant colours. Any traces have faded completely due to weathering.