Flouting the masculine connotations of the Roman Empire, Ancient Splendor: Roman Art in the Time of Trajan, at the Saint Louis Art Museum, honors the era’s sensuality of a kind that resonates today as felicitously feminine. Greeting us at the entrance of Ancient Splendor, a marble statue of Trajan in military costume appears less imperious than engaged, his gaze straight ahead, his contrapposto capturing him as a leader moving Rome forward. Across the hall, another scent box smells of garum, a fermented fish sauce common in ancient Roman cooking. Unknown artist, "Sabina as Ceres" (137–38 CE), marbleAncient Splendor: Roman Art in the Time of Trajan continues at the Saint Louis Art Museum (1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, Missouri) through August 16. The exhibition was organized by Lucrezia Ungaro, archaeological curator of the city of Rome.