Triumphal Arch of Augustus 1641

Curator: This is Giacomo Lauro's rendering of the "Triumphal Arch of Augustus," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a plate, so the dimensions are relatively modest, about 7 by 9 inches. Editor: It feels so formal, yet the lines are so light and airy. It's like a precise dream of Roman grandeur. Curator: The arch itself has a fascinating history. It's not just about celebrating a ruler, but also about public image and political messaging. Editor: Exactly! It's a stage set, really. Each of those figures on top, they're frozen in their moment of triumph forever, orchestrating the emperor's everlasting applause! Curator: Triumphal arches, like this one, often served as backdrops for civic rituals, reinforcing power structures through carefully crafted imagery. Editor: Well, it’s certainly made me think about how we build our own symbolic structures today, and who gets to stand on top. Curator: Indeed, it gives one pause to consider how these images shape our cultural landscape even now.