Reconstruction of the Thermae of Titus (above) and a View of the Ruins (below) 1690 - 1704

Jan Goeree created this drawing, "Reconstruction of the Thermae of Titus," with pen and brown ink, brush, and gray wash around 1700. Observe how the artist juxtaposes idealized reconstructions of the ancient Roman baths of Titus with views of their ruins. Garlands of leaves adorn both the bust of Emperor Vespasian and the inscription honoring Titus, evoking associations with victory, peace, and abundance that echo through time, appearing in Renaissance paintings and even modern political symbols. The image of the Genius Loci, a protective spirit of place, echoes the protective figures seen across cultures, from ancient Egyptian deities to medieval gargoyles, each embodying a community's deep connection to its land and heritage. These symbols represent the cyclical nature of history, where motifs reappear, transformed yet familiar, bearing the weight of collective memory. The ruins themselves become potent symbols, prompting reflections on the transience of power and the enduring legacy of civilizations.