The so-called Temple of Fortuna Virilis (now Church of S. Maria Egizziaca) (Veduta del Tempio della Fortuna Virile) 1753 - 1763

Giovanni Battista Piranesi etched this print of the so-called Temple of Fortuna Virilis, now the Church of Santa Maria Egiziaca. The temple’s most striking feature is its colonnade, those stoic pillars that speak of classical antiquity. Columns, these upright supports, are more than just architectural features; they symbolize strength, stability, and connection to the divine. Think back to the ancient Egyptian obelisks, reaching towards the sky, or even the pillars of Solomon’s Temple, all resonating with the same primal urge to connect heaven and earth. In ancient Greece, columns evolved into a sophisticated language of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles, each bearing its own distinct character and cultural associations. Here, as the temple transforms into a church, the columns stand as silent witnesses to the cyclical nature of history, bearing the weight of tradition while adapting to new spiritual narratives. These architectural forms tap into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.