Vedute di Roma 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching, Vedute di Roma, capturing the Roman Forum from a viewpoint amidst the ruins. Dominating the scene is the triumphal arch, a motif deeply rooted in Roman culture, symbolizing military victory and imperial power. These arches, originally erected to honor victorious generals, connect to ancient processions and public celebrations. We see the arch recurring across time and space in different ways: from the Arch of Constantine to more contemporary uses for national and cultural expression. Notice how, despite the ruinous state, the triumphal arch still commands attention. This evokes a sense of both past glory and present decay, a visual metaphor for the cyclical nature of civilizations. This tension between grandeur and ruin invites us to reflect on the ephemeral nature of power and the inevitability of decline, stirring a deep, subconscious emotional response. We are reminded of the recurring pattern of rise and fall, a powerful psychological theme present in various historical narratives.