Gezicht op de Thermen van Constantijn 1675 - 1711

This print shows the ruins of the Baths of Constantine, and was made in the Netherlands. Although the artist is anonymous, it was printed by Peter Schenk, likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. These were popular subjects for artists at the time, as the ruins of Rome became tourist destinations for wealthy Europeans. Yet the Baths of Constantine were also spaces of public life and social mixing in ancient Rome, where citizens from different classes would meet, bathe, exercise, and exchange ideas. This particular print highlights the ruins themselves, emphasizing the decline of the Roman Empire as a reminder of what once was. Such depictions would have resonated with Dutch audiences, who were very aware of the ebb and flow of empires. This image, then, raises questions about how art reflects and shapes our understanding of history and the rise and fall of civilizations. To understand the image better, we can consult historical documents, travelogues, and archaeological reports. These help us understand the complex interplay between art, history, and society.