The Circus Flaminius 1641

Curator: Giacomo Lauro’s etching, "The Circus Flaminius," presents a meticulously detailed vision of ancient Rome. What strikes you most about this image? Editor: I’m fascinated by the obelisk standing tall in the middle and by the architecture itself, and I wonder about the events that would have occurred there. What stories do you think this image tells us about power structures in ancient Rome? Curator: Precisely! Consider how the Circus served not only as a site for entertainment, like chariot races, but also as a stage for imperial display. How does Lauro's depiction reinforce or challenge our understanding of Roman spectacle and social control? Think about who had access, who was celebrated, and who was marginalized. Editor: I didn't think about that, the Circus served as a way to both placate and control the masses. Thank you for your insight! Curator: My pleasure! These prints invite us to consider the complex relationship between spectacle, power, and identity in shaping historical narratives.