Ruins of the Palace of the Caesars c. 19th century

Editor: This is Luigi Rossini’s "Ruins of the Palace of the Caesars." It's quite striking how these ancient ruins are juxtaposed with what looks like contemporary life. What story do you think this image is trying to tell? Curator: Rossini’s etchings captured Rome at a time of burgeoning tourism and archaeological interest. Consider how images like this shaped public perceptions of Roman history and Italy’s place in European identity. What purpose did it serve to make these ruins so picturesque, so… consumable? Editor: So, it’s less about documenting and more about marketing a particular idea of Rome? Curator: Precisely. The image becomes a commodity, reinforcing a narrative about the grandeur of the past and perhaps even subtly commenting on the present. Editor: That gives me a completely different perspective! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It is always interesting to consider art's role in shaping public perception.