Self-portrait of the artist with his wife on a picnic at the Amphiteatre Tuscolo near Frascati 

Anton Romako painted this self-portrait with his wife at the Amphitheatre Tuscolo near Frascati using watercolour. Here, the ancient amphitheater looms large, a silent witness to centuries past. This architectural motif—the theater—is a potent symbol, representing not just entertainment but the very stage of human life. The amphitheater’s tiered seating mirrors the hierarchical structure of society, each level a layer of history and experience. It evokes the grand narratives of classical antiquity but also reminds us of the cyclical nature of human drama. Think back to the Renaissance and its obsession with classical forms, or even to contemporary performances where ancient plays are revived. The theater persists, a constant echo resonating through time. Its emotional power lies in its ability to connect us to a shared past, engaging our subconscious with stories of triumph and tragedy, comedy and catharsis. Observe the cross atop the hill, juxtaposed with the pagan amphitheater below; a reminder of the layering of civilizations and beliefs. The motifs of past and present collide, as do the personal and the historical, thus encapsulating the eternal return of human endeavors and cultural memory.