An emperor in the chancellor's house

The work was titled Emperor Aurelian Triumphs Over Zenobia and her Children, and Tetricus and his Children (El Emperador Aureliano Lleva en su Triunfo a Zenobia con sus Hijos y al Rey Tetriens con su Vástago).

Recently restored, it was returned to its early splendor; the original colors, especially the vivid blue tones, were revived.

Emperor Aurelian was one of the so-called soldier-emperors, and his actions reinstated the splendor of the Roman Empire in the late 3rd century. He is depicted sitting in a carriage pulled by four deer, taking him toward the Roman Capitol.

The main scene depicts the city of Rome and, behind the animals' antlers, Trajan's Column. On the left is the Capitol, considered by the Romans as an indestructible symbol of eternity.

First we see the figure of Zenobia, queen of Palmyra until 272, when she was defeated by Emperor Aurelian and imprisoned in Rome. Laden down with golden chains and jewelry, she is accompanied by her sons Herennianus and Timolaus.

Ahead of Zenobia walks the Gallic Emperor Tetricus. Accompanied by his son, who he had named Emperor of Gaul, he is wearing the royal crown upon his head. The depiction of the three captured rulers represents the triumph of Aurelian over the West and the East.

A diverse procession follows the main characters. Young maids hold the train of Zenobia's dress, while children carry riches plundered from the prisoners. Finally, Roman soldiers, in their shiny armor, hold on tightly to their spears.

The composition allows us to appreciate the elaborate detail of the clothing. The folds of the capes and outfits are delicately developed, and the complex techniques used by the work's creators are clear to see.

In the summer of 1889, during a visit to Rome, Unamuno wrote: "The burning Roman sun heats the ground upon which the Caesars walked."
Today, one of those Caesars, together with an extensive entourage, decorates the walls of the room where the writer walked.