Gezicht op de Engelenbrug en de Engelenburcht in Rome before 1898

This is an undated and unsigned photograph of the Ponte and Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Without the artist's name, we must look to the image itself for clues about its creation and significance. This photograph presents a classic view of the Roman landscape, immortalizing the ancient bridge and fortress. It invites us to consider the layers of history embedded in this site – from its origins as Hadrian’s tomb, to its repurposing as a papal fortress, and its later life as a museum. What does it mean to look at a site layered with such complex histories? How are we implicated as viewers looking back through the camera lens? The anonymity of this photograph emphasizes the universal appeal and timeless quality of Rome itself. It serves as a reminder of the power structures that have shaped not only the city, but also our understanding of history and culture. Yet, despite the passage of time and the shifts in power, the Ponte and Castel Sant’Angelo endure as symbols of human ingenuity.