The Gardens of Galba on the Via Ostia Antica 1641

Curator: This engraving by Giacomo Lauro is entitled "The Gardens of Galba on the Via Ostia Antica," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels incredibly formal, almost regimented. The symmetry is striking, but a bit unsettling. Curator: Precisely. Lauro documented ancient Roman gardens, reflecting the era's fascination with classical antiquity. Such gardens were expressions of power and status. Editor: And we see that echoed in the layout, this very controlled, public display. Who had access to these spaces, and how did that reinforce social hierarchies? Curator: It speaks to how landscape design becomes a tool, shaping public perception. Editor: Absolutely. This makes me consider the commodification of nature, and how design can dictate our interactions with it. Curator: It’s a reminder that even gardens can embody complex social and political narratives. Editor: Definitely something to consider as we appreciate the artistry.