Capriccio with Roman Ruins 1676 - 1730

Marco Ricci created this capriccio with watercolor and gouache washes around the year 1729. At its heart lies the imposing lion sculpture, an icon of power and vigilance, derived from ancient civilizations. The lion, a symbol of strength and royalty, echoes through time from the gates of Mycenae to the Venetian Republic's emblem. Consider how its symbolic weight shifts yet persists. From guarding temples in ancient Egypt to marking territories of medieval rulers, the lion's image evokes a primal response, a blend of fear and respect deeply rooted in our collective psyche. The fragmented Roman ruins speak of time's passage and cultural memory; they subtly remind us of the cyclical nature of civilizations. Like the ruins themselves, the lion carries the weight of history, constantly reinterpreted by each passing era. It invites us to reflect on how symbols evolve, retaining echoes of their past while adapting to new cultural landscapes.