Gezicht op de Thermen van Diocletianus c. 1561 - 1600

"Gezicht op de Thermen van Diocletianus," or "View of the Baths of Diocletian," is an engraving made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. This image transports us to the ruins of ancient Rome, a site laden with historical and cultural weight. In the 16th century, Rome was both a center of Christian power and a place where the remnants of the classical world echoed through art and architecture. Here, Doetechum captures the emotional experience of encountering these ruins. Notice how the decay is palpable, the grand structures now overgrown with nature. The architectural details hint at the ambition and scale of the Roman Empire. What might it have meant for the artists to depict this scene? This print invites us to consider how societies grapple with the legacies of past civilizations and to reflect on the passage of time. It is a quiet, reflective moment amidst the grandeur of history.