Senate House of Hostilius 1641

Editor: This is Giacomo Lauro's "Senate House of Hostilius," an engraving. It feels like stepping back into ancient Rome, but there's something almost dreamlike about the perspective. What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: Well, for me, it's the layers of time collapsing. Lauro’s not just showing us the Senate House, but hinting at the stories *within* the stones, the echoes of senators arguing, plotting, and, dare I say, occasionally napping. It’s a stage set for history, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely, the figures almost seem like ghosts flitting across the scene. I guess I never thought about history being a stage. Curator: History *is* a stage, darling. We're all just players, some with better costumes than others. And this image? It's the ultimate backstage pass. Editor: That's a totally different way to see historical artwork! Thanks!