Temple of Vesta, and house of Rienzi, Rome before 1877

This photogravure print captures the Temple of Vesta and the House of Rienzi in Rome. The image is by J. Greer. As we consider this image, let’s reflect on how Rome itself has been imagined and represented. This print, situated within a book, speaks to the rise of tourism and the cultural consumption of historical sites. Think about who had the privilege to travel and engage with these spaces, and how their experiences shaped the narratives we inherit. Moreover, consider what it means to capture and frame these ruins—a temple dedicated to a Roman goddess and a medieval politician's residence. These buildings become stand-ins for larger questions about power, belief, and the passage of time, inviting us to contemplate our relationship to history and memory.