Arco di Settimio Severo 1848 - 1852

Eugène Constant's "Arco di Settimio Severo" (1848-1852) is a striking example of a 19th-century photographic portrayal of Roman architectural ruins. The sallow tones and fine detail capture the imposing grandeur of the Arch of Septimius Severus, a monumental arch built by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. The surrounding buildings in the image provide a sense of the arch’s historical context, highlighting its enduring presence through time. Constant's photographic print, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the enduring fascination with ancient Rome during the 19th century.