Gezicht op de Basilica van Maxentius en de Santa Francesca Romana 1797

François Morel created this print titled, Gezicht op de Basilica van Maxentius en de Santa Francesca Romana, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. The composition is dominated by the Basilica of Maxentius and the Santa Francesca Romana church, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and sky. Morel uses fine lines and etching to depict the architectural details and the pastoral setting. The linear quality, combined with a monochromatic palette, enhances the structural clarity of the buildings, while also creating a sense of depth. The ruin is presented not just as a historical artifact, but as a signifier of time and change. The careful rendering of the buildings suggests a concern with the interplay between permanence and decay. The light and shadow define the forms, emphasizing their volume and texture, reinforcing a structural reading of space and form.