Ruïne van de Villa Adriana 1627 - 1655

Nicolas Perelle created this print, "Ruïne van de Villa Adriana," in the 17th century. The print depicts the ruins of Hadrian's Villa, a site imbued with the grandeur of the Roman Empire. This image participates in a broader cultural phenomenon: the representation of ruins. During the 17th century, there was a growing interest in classical antiquity. Ruins became symbols of the past and reminders of the transience of human achievement. Artists like Perelle played a role in shaping and popularizing the image of Roman ruins, contributing to a sense of cultural identity rooted in the classical past. This imagery was particularly potent in countries seeking to establish their own cultural legitimacy by associating themselves with the legacy of Rome. As art historians, we use prints like this as valuable resources, connecting the image to the cultural and institutional contexts that shaped its creation and reception. Studying architectural prints alongside historical accounts and travel literature allows us to understand how the past was perceived and reimagined in the present, a testament to art's role in constructing our understanding of history.