Trajan's Column. 1. Church of S. Maria de Fornari 1748 - 1751

Philothée-Francois Duflos created this print of Trajan's Column and the Church of S. Maria de Fornari in Rome. Reflecting the architectural and cultural landscape of 18th-century Rome, this print gives us a glimpse into the city's layered identities. Trajan's Column, erected in antiquity, serves as a lasting symbol of Roman imperial power. In Duflos' time, the column was not only a historical artifact but also a monument that carried the weight of cultural and political meaning. The image includes the Church of S. Maria de Fornari which represents the influence of the Catholic Church. Prints like these were often made for a European audience, many of whom would have been part of the Grand Tour. As such, the print straddles the line between representation and experience. What did it mean to see this in print versus seeing the column itself? What narratives of power are created and maintained through the image? Perhaps it’s a reminder that history is never truly still.