Vaults with Bosse Blocks, from the series Roman Ruins and Buildings 1562

Editor: This is Johannes van Doetecum's 1562 etching, "Vaults with Bosse Blocks, from the series Roman Ruins and Buildings," currently at the Met. The use of light and shadow creates such a melancholic atmosphere amidst these ruins. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The ruin, of course, becomes a potent symbol in the Renaissance, a memento mori reflecting on lost glory, but it also signals continuity. The Roman ruins themselves become the ground from which a new Europe is being built. Consider how the architecture, though decaying, still commands respect. Editor: I see what you mean. It's not just about the past; it's the foundation of the present. What about the figures? Curator: The figures are interesting, aren’t they? They give a sense of scale, yes, but they also represent humanity dwarfed by the weight of history. Do you notice how they're engaged in everyday activities even amidst such grandeur? Editor: They seem almost oblivious to the history surrounding them, which is a striking contrast. Almost like life simply goes on. Curator: Precisely! The architecture, rendered in incredible detail, becomes more than just a backdrop. It embodies collective memory and a sense of persistent human presence. What emotional response does that juxtaposition elicit in you? Editor: It makes me think about resilience. It is thought provoking how the ruins remain, altered, as a silent but solid reminder of human effort. It connects us. Thanks for pointing this out. Curator: And to me it seems as though we are always discovering the present's foundation.