Baths of Titus and the Meta Sudans, called "Temple of the Sun and Meta Sudans" c. 19th century

Curator: This is Bartolomeo Pinelli's depiction of the Baths of Titus and the Meta Sudans, also known as the Temple of the Sun and Meta Sudans. Editor: The etching has a somber feel; its stark contrasts emphasize the ruinous state of the architecture. Curator: Pinelli's work captures the early 19th-century fascination with Roman antiquities, particularly their role as a kind of sublime ruin, evidence of temporal change. The print shows how the Baths, once a symbol of imperial power, were repurposed in collective memory. Editor: Note how Pinelli uses line and texture to create depth; the foreground figures draw you into the dilapidated architecture, yet the eye is always drawn to the monumentality of the ruin itself. Curator: It is interesting to see how the site functions as both a historical marker and a public space, influencing modern urbanism. Editor: I am struck by the balanced composition—Pinelli's skillful use of chiaroscuro reveals the textures of crumbling stone and thriving foliage alike. Curator: Indeed, a wonderful glimpse into history, reminding us of Rome's layered narrative. Editor: Yes, the print serves as a reminder of the transformative power of time and the beauty found even in decay.