Piazza Colonna, Column of Marcus Aurelius and Chigi Palace c. 1860

James Anderson captured the Piazza Colonna in this photograph, dominated by the Column of Marcus Aurelius. This towering structure, adorned with spiraling reliefs, tells the story of the emperor’s military campaigns. The column echoes Trajan's Column, but it transcends mere imitation. Both draw upon the ancient Egyptian obelisks, symbols of power and permanence, transported to Rome as trophies of conquest. The spiral narrative, a continuous band of images, reminds us of the ancient scrolls. The image carries the weight of Roman history and identity. This photograph, taken in the 19th century, shows the city’s layers, a palimpsest of power. Consider the enduring human desire to record, commemorate, and immortalize, revealing an emotional and psychological depth. The column, a symbol of strength, evolves, transforming the past into a visual language that continues to speak to us today.