Arch of Septimius Severus, panel, elevation (recto) blank (verso) 1500 - 1560

This drawing of a panel from the Arch of Septimius Severus presents an elevation, rendered in ink on paper by an anonymous artist. The monochromatic palette and detailed linework guide us to focus on the relief's sculptural forms and their arrangement. Notice the composition, how the artist contrasts the angular, stylized leaves with the rounded forms of the central cartouche and the carved face. The play of light and shadow, meticulously captured through the use of wash, adds depth and volume to the otherwise flat surface. It emphasizes the ornamental elements that adorned the ancient structure. This drawing serves not only as a record but also as an interpretation, highlighting the enduring appeal of classical motifs. The arch, built to commemorate military victories, used such imagery to project power and imperial authority. This panel drawing, through its careful rendering, invites contemplation on the strategies of representation employed by the Roman Empire and how these continue to influence our visual culture today.