Die Casa di Sallustio und umliegende Ruinen in Pompeji 

Carl Werner captured "Die Casa di Sallustio und umliegende Ruinen in Pompeji" in watercolor, inviting us to reflect on the layered narratives embedded within ruins. The rediscovery of Pompeii in the 18th century ignited a fascination with classical antiquity, influencing art and design, but also touching upon deeper questions of time, memory, and loss. Werner’s careful depiction, with its emphasis on the textures and colors of the decaying structures, presents a romantic vision of the past. Yet, this romanticism obscures the realities of Roman society, its reliance on slavery and stark social hierarchies. By focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the ruins, Werner invites us to reflect on what aspects of history we choose to remember, and how we negotiate the complex legacies of past civilizations. Ultimately, the artwork encourages a poignant meditation on time, memory, and the human condition.