Exterior and interior section of a temple in Rome dedicated to Neptune 1541

Giulio Bonasone rendered this print of a temple in Rome dedicated to Neptune using engraving. Immediately, the bisection grabs our attention, presenting both the temple’s detailed exterior and intricate interior in stark juxtaposition. The linear precision and geometric clarity reveal Bonasone's formalist approach, meticulously delineating every coffer in the dome, arch, and molding. The division isn't merely representational; it provokes a deeper inquiry into structure and perception. The sharp contrast exposes the dialogue between external appearance and internal construction. Bonasone’s approach dissects architectural form, inviting us to consider the semiotic interplay between façade and essence. This not only challenges fixed notions of architectural integrity, but also invites a contemplation of how we perceive and assign value to the spaces we inhabit. Through this dissection, Bonasone prompts us to dissect our own modes of seeing, and question the boundaries we impose on form and function.