The Novatian Baths, now the Church of Saint Pudentiana 1641

Curator: The crisp lines of this engraving, attributed to Giacomo Lauro, depict the Novatian Baths, now the Church of Saint Pudentiana. Editor: It has a remarkable sense of order, all those parallel lines, that grid-like composition. You immediately feel the weight of architectural intent. Curator: Indeed. Structures like these baths were central to Roman social life, and the transition to a church underscores a profound cultural shift. Editor: Notice how the shading, while minimal, defines the forms. The relationship between solid mass and open space creates an intriguing interplay. Curator: Lauro's depiction, though seemingly objective, reflects the Catholic Church's narrative of triumph over paganism. It’s a visual argument. Editor: I see that now. The geometry has a rhetorical power. Looking closer, the fine lines imply a certain level of control and precision. Curator: Examining this print gives us a window into the history of cultural transformation in Rome. Editor: It is thought-provoking how simple lines can convey such complex social meanings.