[Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Rome] 1856 - 1866

Auguste-Rosalie Bisson captured the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine in this photograph, an enduring symbol of Roman power. The basilica's arches and vaults, once testaments to imperial ambition, speak volumes even in their ruined state. The arch, a dominant motif, extends far beyond Rome. From triumphal arches celebrating military victories to the archways of cathedrals symbolizing divine access, its presence spans cultures and epochs. Consider the arch's evolution: initially a symbol of Roman triumph, it was later adopted by Christian architects as a gateway to the sacred. These architectural gestures tap into our collective memory. The yearning for order, permanence, and power is viscerally expressed through the arch. In contemplating this image, we are drawn into a non-linear dialogue with the past, recognizing how symbols resurface, evolve, and acquire new resonance across time.