Roman column 

This drawing of a Roman column was made by Karl Ballenberger in the 19th century and now resides in the Städel Museum. Note the Corinthian capital, adorned with acanthus leaves, and the base featuring intertwined patterns and grotesque masks. The acanthus, a Mediterranean plant, symbolizes immortality and rebirth, its stylized leaves gracing classical architecture since antiquity. These motifs, however, are not isolated. Consider the intertwined patterns echoed in Celtic art and the grotesque masks guarding entrances in ancient theaters. The masks, often associated with theatrical performances, remind us of the blurred lines between reality and representation, protection, and the subconscious. The column then, becomes more than a structural element; it is a vessel of cultural memory, embodying layers of meaning that resonate across time. We see a continuous return of images charged with significance.