Part of the Vault of the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome c. 1809 - 1812

Josephus Augustus Knip rendered this watercolor and graphite drawing of the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome, using simple tools to capture the textures and structural components of the architecture. The weight and form of the Temple are embedded in the red brick arches and the stone and plaster materials of its vaults. Knip meticulously recorded the marks of time and the accumulation of social history inscribed into the brickwork. The cracks, the crumbling surfaces, and the layers of repair are all evident. Consider the labor-intensive construction techniques required to erect such a structure. Think of the brickmakers, masons, and builders whose collective efforts shaped this space. The Temple stands as a testament to Roman engineering. Knip's careful transcription reminds us of the relationship between materials, making, and the narratives embedded within architecture. This challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing the social context of even ancient buildings.