The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXI. Arch of Janus. 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this engraving of "The Arch of Janus" as part of his series on Roman antiquities. Piranesi, living in 18th-century Rome, was deeply influenced by the city's historical layers and the power they represented. Through his detailed engravings, Piranesi wasn’t just documenting ruins; he was reconstructing a vision of Rome's imperial grandeur. This arch, though crumbling, becomes a symbol of Roman engineering and power. But look closer – the arch is juxtaposed with ordinary people, a not-so-subtle commentary on the relationship between past glory and present-day life. Piranesi’s Rome is not a neutral space; it's a stage where history, memory, and the artist's own interpretations collide. He emphasizes the emotional experience of encountering these ancient structures. Ultimately, this image evokes questions about how we connect to history. Do we romanticize it, critique it, or find ways to live with its imposing presence?