Copy of a Roman Cippus (The Roman Album) 1775 - 1780

Editor: This is Jacques-Louis David's "Copy of a Roman Cippus," from The Roman Album. The sketch is small, about 7x6 inches, but the monument depicted has a certain gravitas, even in this delicate form. What do you make of it? Curator: The garland speaks of remembrance and ritual, doesn't it? David, steeped in classicism, uses these symbolic forms to connect to the past. It suggests not just visual accuracy, but also a deeper, emotional resonance with Roman virtues. Do you feel that connection? Editor: I do, especially knowing David's revolutionary fervor. It's like he’s seeking foundational values. I hadn't thought about the garland's role in conveying memory. Curator: Exactly. And such persistent symbols invite us to reflect on how societies construct and maintain their identities through art. Editor: I see it now – the garland becomes an emblem of enduring cultural values. Curator: Precisely. It's about historical continuity, and how we choose to remember.