Untitled [Rome] Possibly 1854 - 1856

Captured by the Bisson Frères between 1852 and 1863, this photograph reveals a Roman temple, its classical architecture marked by prominent Corinthian columns. These columns, far from being mere supports, are powerful symbols of classical antiquity, evoking a sense of enduring strength and order. The columns remind us of the human desire to impose structure on the world, a reaching towards the heavens, as seen later in Gothic cathedrals. Think about the swastika, how it originated as a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune in Hinduism and Buddhism, yet it was later appropriated and twisted into a representation of hatred and destruction by Nazi Germany. Here, these fluted columns and ornate capitals continue to carry echoes of Roman power. They resonate with a collective memory, engaging viewers with a deep, subconscious connection to the past and the weight of history. The emotional resonance of these forms is undeniable. The cyclical progression of symbols like these is a constant reminder that what we see is never just what is there.