Interior of the Baths at Caracalla 1775 - 1785

Giovanni Volpato’s watercolor, made around 1775, depicts the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. The architectural forms loom, evoking a sense of past grandeur but also of decay. The arch, a dominant motif here, has long been a symbol of triumph and transition, from Roman aqueducts to triumphal arches. Consider its evolution: in ancient times, it signified imperial power and conquest. Yet, as seen here, overgrown with vegetation, the arch speaks not of dominion but of time's relentless march. This motif reappears throughout history, such as in Romantic landscapes, to provoke contemplation of mortality and the transience of human achievements. The psychological power of ruins lies in their ability to evoke both awe and melancholy, engaging us on a subconscious level with the fleeting nature of existence. This isn’t just a linear progression but a cyclical one, with symbols resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.