Ruins of an Ancient Aqueduct (Ruine d'un ancien aqueduc) 

Alphonse Legros' print captures the haunting remnants of an ancient aqueduct. The aqueduct, once a symbol of Roman engineering and societal prosperity, now stands in ruin, enveloped by nature. Consider the arch itself. This architectural motif speaks volumes, initially signifying triumph and connection as seen in Roman triumphal arches and bridges. Yet, here, broken and overgrown, the arch evokes a sense of melancholy, a meditation on the transience of power. This echoes motifs found across time: think of the crumbling facades in Piranesi's etchings or the romantic ruins in Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings. The psychological weight of these images lies in their power to evoke a collective memory of civilizations risen and fallen. The aqueduct, repurposed by nature, invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history. What once stood as a testament to human achievement is now a poignant reminder of time's relentless march.