Temple of Antonino and Faustina c. 1780

Editor: This is Giovanni Volpato's "Temple of Antonino and Faustina." It's undated, but Volpato lived in the 18th century. The etching has a really peaceful, almost dreamy quality. What cultural memories does this evoke for you? Curator: The temple itself speaks volumes. It was originally dedicated to a Roman Emperor's deified wife, then rededicated as a church. This layering speaks to the enduring power of sacred spaces, how they absorb and reflect evolving beliefs. Editor: So the image captures a kind of visual palimpsest? Curator: Precisely. Note the contrast between the crumbling temple and the everyday scenes. Does it suggest a reconciliation between past glory and present life, or perhaps a lament for lost grandeur? Editor: I see what you mean. It’s about the layers of history informing the present. Curator: Yes, and it’s about how we continue to imbue these spaces with meaning, connecting to the past while living in the present.