Boog van Septimius Severus, Rome 1861 - 1878

Editor: This is "Boog van Septimius Severus, Rome," a photograph by Ernest Eléonor Pierre Lamy, dating from sometime between 1861 and 1878. It's quite a stark image, with this massive, ancient structure dominating the frame. It really speaks to the enduring presence of the past. What do you make of it? Curator: The photograph immediately prompts me to consider the 19th-century obsession with classical antiquity, and how that impacted the creation and reception of art. Photography allowed for widespread distribution of images of Roman monuments like this, contributing to a collective visual understanding – a shared cultural narrative of Rome as a center of power and civilization. But it’s not neutral, is it? What narratives do you think *aren't* being captured here? Editor: That’s a great point! Looking at it now, I see the very curated angle. It focuses almost entirely on the grand Roman architecture while almost ignoring what every day life would have looked like. Curator: Exactly. The angle, the careful composition – it's all geared towards presenting a specific, idealized vision. A vision deeply embedded within a political and social context, isn’t it? What effect does focusing on idealized classicism have on how the viewers consider its relevance today? Editor: It's almost like the photograph is trying to validate contemporary political structures by connecting them to this glorious past, masking any problematic aspects of either. Curator: Precisely. This photographer and his photograph contributed to this type of visual and cultural construction, reinforcing certain power structures and narratives while suppressing others. What will you take away from this work? Editor: I think I will really think about the motives behind even seemingly straightforward landscapes. The picture seems straightforward, but I realize the photographer definitely has his or her own agenda. Thank you for sharing that! Curator: My pleasure, seeing how these older works still hold resonance in present discussions is fascinating, right?