The Theater of Cornelius Balbus, the Gaditan 1641

Curator: This is Giacomo Lauro’s rendering of "The Theater of Cornelius Balbus, the Gaditan," an etching now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark lines and architectural precision give it a powerful sense of permanence and order, almost imposing, though the space itself seems intended for communal gathering. Curator: Indeed. Lauro’s work reveals much about the theater's role in Roman society, highlighting how these structures facilitated public events and reinforced social hierarchies. Editor: I see a contrast here. It celebrates civic life but within carefully controlled spaces. Who had access, and whose voices were amplified within those walls? That's what interests me. Curator: Certainly, considering how access to such spaces often reflected the existing power structures of the time adds a layer of complexity. Editor: Exactly. This wasn't just entertainment; it was the theater of power. Curator: A poignant reminder that even spaces designed for leisure can be imbued with societal inequalities.