Arco Di Augusto in Aosta 1890

Giuseppe Barberis created this print of the Arco Di Augusto in Aosta, Italy, sometime between 1840 and 1917. It captures the imposing Roman arch, a monument laden with historical and cultural significance. The arch, built to honor Emperor Augustus, symbolizes Roman power and domination. Barberis, working in a later era, engages with this history, framing the arch within a changed landscape. The addition of a crucifix suggests the layering of religious power onto the Roman structure. Consider how the artist navigates his identity in relation to this imposing symbol of authority and the complex interplay of secular and religious power. This print invites us to reflect on the legacies of empire and faith, and their continuing presence in the modern world. It encourages a dialogue between past and present.