Ruins of the House of Septimius Severus on the Palatine 1900

Cesare Biseo created this etching, "Ruins of the House of Septimius Severus on the Palatine," offering a glimpse into Rome's layered past. Biseo lived during a time of Italian unification and growing national pride, when artists often turned to Rome's ancient ruins as symbols of past glory. But, rather than presenting a triumphant image, Biseo captures a scene of decay, as nature reclaims what was once a symbol of imperial power. This creates a palpable sense of melancholic reflection. Consider the symbolism of ruins. They speak to the transient nature of power and the inevitability of decline. But they also hint at the possibility of rebirth. Vegetation grows throughout the stonework, suggesting nature's persistent force. Biseo's image becomes an observation on time, power, and the cycles of history. It encourages us to consider our own place within that continuum.