Untitled (Basilica of Maxentius) c. 1857

"Untitled (Basilica of Maxentius)" (c. 1857) by Robert MacPherson is a striking photograph of the ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome. This image is a prime example of 19th-century architectural photography, which often focused on capturing the grandeur and decay of ancient structures. The photograph, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the basilica's impressive arched structure, its weathered facade, and the overgrown vegetation that has begun to reclaim the space. The image offers a glimpse into the past, inviting viewers to imagine the basilica's original glory and the passage of time that has transformed it into a poignant reminder of the impermanence of even the most monumental creations.