Elevation of Giulio Romano's House (recto); the Ruins from the Caelius Aqueduct and Temple of Claudius in Rome (verso) 1552 - 1562

Giovanni Battista Naldini created this ink drawing, "Elevation of Giulio Romano's House", during a time of immense social hierarchy, artistic patronage and the architectural revival of classical ideals. The drawing depicts the façade of a house, referencing the architecture of Giulio Romano, a prominent Renaissance architect and a student of Raphael. Note the stark contrast between the detailed rendering of the house's facade and the rather barren surroundings. This contrast emphasizes the house's presence and perhaps, by extension, the status and power of its inhabitant. During the Renaissance, architecture was not merely about building structures; it was a statement of cultural values, social status, and individual identity. The house becomes a stage for the performance of social roles and power dynamics within society. Consider how the architecture serves as a backdrop against which narratives of wealth, taste, and social standing are played out. What does it mean to elevate a house?