Gevel van de binnenplaats van Palazzo Borghese after 1655

This print by Giovanni Battista Falda captures the courtyard facade of the Palazzo Borghese. Note the rhythmic arrangement of arches and windows, motifs deeply rooted in classical antiquity. The arch, a symbol of triumph and transition, appears throughout history, from Roman aqueducts to Renaissance gateways. See how the arch has evolved to define and articulate space, framing vistas and pathways. These arches mirror those found in ancient amphitheaters and triumphal arches, echoing a longing for the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The rigid symmetry and the clear articulation of architectural elements evoke a sense of order and harmony, which has a deep emotional resonance. The architectural structure is more than just stone; it’s a stage upon which the drama of human life unfolds.