Augury Instruments (The Roman Album) 1775 - 1780

Editor: So, this is "Augury Instruments (The Roman Album)" by Jacques-Louis David. It looks like a collection of reddish-brown sketches of ancient Roman objects. They feel a bit… fragmented, you know? What do you make of David's choice to focus on these particular objects? Curator: David, deeply engaged with the sociopolitical climate, likely saw these objects as potent symbols of Roman authority and civic virtue. Think about the French Revolution brewing during his time. By studying these instruments, he’s essentially dissecting the tools of power. How do you see that connection? Editor: I guess he's trying to understand how societies use objects to create and maintain their power structures. Curator: Precisely. These aren’t just pretty vases; they're embodiments of ideology. David uses them to explore the narrative of power, and how it can be both inspiring and, potentially, oppressive. What does that make you think about contemporary society? Editor: Wow, that really changes how I see this album. It's not just a historical record, it's a political statement.