Gezicht op de zogenaamde Tempel van Minerva Medica te Rome 1746 - 1747

This etching by François Vivares shows the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome. The ruin is overgrown, as nature reclaims what was once built to last forever. Yet, in its crumbling form, it echoes the oculus of the Pantheon, the round opening in the dome, that lets the divine light in. This shape, a circle within a square, mirrors the cycle of time and the promise of renewal. Think of the snake biting its own tail, the Ouroboros, an ancient symbol of eternity and rebirth. The ruin becomes a stage, where past and present meet. The melancholic beauty of the scene tugs at our memory, reminding us that even the mightiest structures return to dust. It is a memento mori, inviting us to reflect on the transience of life and the enduring power of symbols. A potent reminder of our own mortality, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The wheel turns, and what was old becomes new again.