The Colosseum 

Victor Jean Nicolle captured the Colosseum on this sheet using pen and brown ink with gray wash. The Colosseum, an architectural marvel of the Roman Empire, stands here as a symbol of power and spectacle. Notice how the arena is not just a place, but an embodiment of collective memory, echoing the roars of the crowd and the clash of gladiators. Its arches and massive structure are reminiscent of triumphal arches, gateways, and other monuments designed to project imperial authority. This echoes in various forms throughout history, from the arches of Constantine to modern stadiums. The image of ruins also evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection, a meditation on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of human achievements. The romantic ruin becomes a stage for reflection on mortality and the cyclical nature of civilizations, thus linking the past with present experiences.