Ruïnes van de Thermen van Caracalla te Rome 1575

Étienne Dupérac etched these "Ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome" in the 16th century, using ink on paper. Dominating the scene, the skeletal remains of the baths loom, a powerful symbol of time's relentless march. Consider the crumbling arches: portals that once framed bustling scenes of Roman life now stand open to the elements, nature reclaiming what was once the height of civilization. This motif of ruins, nature's triumph over human hubris, echoes throughout art history, from Romantic paintings to contemporary photography. The ruin reminds us of our inevitable return to dust. In a cyclical progression, the ruin resurfaces, evolving from a symbol of decay into a potent reminder of the transient nature of existence, urging reflection and perhaps even a touch of melancholy.