Hadrian's Villa (Villae Hadriani prospectus) c. 16th century

Editor: Hendrick van Cleve III's etching, "Hadrian's Villa," pictures the ruins in such a state of decay. It's kind of romantic, actually. What strikes you most about this depiction? Curator: Well, for starters, it makes me think about time, doesn’t it? The vanity of emperors! Van Cleve gives us crumbling arches, nature reclaiming what was once meticulously planned. It’s a memento mori, almost. Doesn't it give you pause? Editor: Definitely. So it's not just a picture of a place, but a meditation on… everything eventually fading? Curator: Precisely! And maybe a little wink at the artists of his own time, reminding them that even their grandest creations will, one day, become picturesque ruins. Editor: I didn't think of it that way! It adds so much to the drawing, thank you!