Gezicht op het Capitool te Rome 1646

This is an anonymous engraving of the Capitool in Rome, and invites us to consider the power dynamics embedded in architectural representation. The Capitool, as depicted, isn't merely a physical space; it's a stage upon which social hierarchies are performed. The vastness of the square and the imposing structures dwarf the figures populating the scene, emphasizing the dominance of the state. The gaze is directed upwards, towards the seat of power, reinforcing a sense of awe and perhaps, intimidation. Consider who is included and who is conspicuously absent. The engraving seems to present an idealized view of Roman society, erasing any signs of conflict or dissent. This imagined harmony serves to legitimize the existing power structures, inviting the viewer to accept the established order. The image evokes a sense of grandeur, but also prompts us to question whose stories are being told and whose are being suppressed. It reminds us that even seemingly objective representations are shaped by ideology.