A Reconstruction of the Colosseum in Cross-Section 1690 - 1704

Jan Goeree created this drawing of a cross-section of the Colosseum in the early 18th century. It provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the cultural preoccupations of the Dutch Golden Age. Goeree’s reconstruction is not just an architectural study. It tells us how the Roman Empire and its monumental structures were viewed and understood in the Netherlands. The inclusion of classical statuary above the architectural rendering elevates the Colosseum to the status of high art, a symbol of a glorious past. This was a period when Dutch society, enriched by trade and colonial expansion, looked to classical antiquity for models of civic virtue and imperial power. The drawing prompts us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and how institutions like museums shape our understanding of the past. By studying prints like this alongside contemporary texts and social histories, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and cultural identity.