The Capitol, Rome 1922

Robert Austin captured the Capitol in Rome with a delicate touch, his pencil tracing the contours of this historical and symbolic heart of the city. The Capitol, or Campidoglio, was not just a physical place but a potent symbol of Roman power and authority. Notice the raised elevation of the buildings, which harks back to the ancient Roman tradition of constructing temples and important structures on hills, emphasizing their dominance and connection to the heavens. This motif of elevation is seen throughout history, from the ziggurats of Mesopotamia to the temples of Greece. This upward striving suggests humanity’s eternal desire to transcend the earthly realm. Also, observe the figure standing alone on the right, detached from the community, and dressed with a robe. Throughout history, robes have signified authority and respect. Perhaps here they echo a cultural memory of the religious and political leaders who have shaped Rome's history. The very act of depicting it serves as a form of cultural remembrance. The Capitol, like its symbols, invites us to consider how images and ideas resurface, carrying the weight of history into the present.