Ruïnes van de thermen van Diocletianus te Rome 1619 - 1690

Anthonie Waterloo sketched the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian in Rome. The arches, once symbols of Roman engineering prowess, now stand weathered, overgrown, and softened by the passage of time. The arch, a potent symbol of triumph and dominion in Roman art, reappears throughout history in various guises. From triumphal arches celebrating military victories to the arched entrances of cathedrals symbolizing a gateway to the divine, the arch carries a cultural memory. Here, however, the arch crumbles, overgrown with foliage. The decay speaks volumes. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of civilizations—their rise, fall, and inevitable transformation. This imagery touches a primal part of our psyche, evoking feelings of nostalgia and the transient nature of human endeavors. In its ruined state, the arch becomes a mirror, reflecting our own mortality and the impermanence of all things. It’s a poignant memento mori, urging us to contemplate the echoes of history.