In Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli 1774

Editor: This is John Downman's "In Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli," held at the Tate. It's a watercolor drawing, and it feels so atmospheric, almost like a dream. What draws your eye when you look at it? Curator: Well, I see the rise of picturesque tourism in the 18th century, and the appeal of ruins as symbols of lost empires and the passage of time. How does this image participate in that phenomenon? Editor: So, it’s less about documenting the site accurately and more about evoking a feeling? Curator: Precisely. Consider how Downman uses light and shadow, not just to describe the architecture, but to create a sense of romantic melancholy, inviting viewers to contemplate history and mortality. Editor: I see it now; the light is almost theatrical. Thanks, I learned a lot! Curator: As did I. It's fascinating how these images helped shape perceptions of classical antiquity.