S. Maria in Cosmedien og Vestatemplet i Rom 1600 - 1700

This sepia toned drawing depicts the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and the Temple of Vesta in Rome. We don't know who made this drawing, which leaves us to speculate about their positionality. We can, however, explore the colonial and religious contexts of this architectural landscape. The composition suggests a Western gaze, framing Rome's historical and religious sites in a manner that emphasizes their grandeur. Notice how the Temple of Vesta, dedicated to a Roman goddess, is rendered as a ruin, while the church, a symbol of Christian dominance, is still in use. What does it mean to capture these sites through a Western lens? Whose stories are prioritized, and whose are marginalized in this representation? The drawing offers a glimpse into the complex intersections of power, religion, and representation. It invites us to reflect on how we, as viewers, engage with historical landscapes and the narratives they embody.