Ruïnes van de Thermen van Caracalla te Rome 1575

Étienne Dupérac created this etching of the Ruïnes van de Thermen van Caracalla te Rome in the 16th century. It’s a scene of decay, with the skeletal remains of the Baths of Caracalla overgrown with vegetation. During the Renaissance, rediscovering and documenting classical antiquity became a symbol of cultural and political identity. Here, the men in the foreground appear to be discussing the ruins, perhaps contemplating the decline of the Roman Empire and their place in history. Dupérac was interested in architectural accuracy, but this print also conveys a sense of melancholy. What was once a vibrant social space for all Roman citizens, regardless of class or gender, is now a relic. Dupérac’s image offers us a glimpse into the cyclical nature of history, inviting contemplation on the transient nature of human achievement, the passage of time, and the complex interplay between ruin and remembrance.