Triomfboog van Titus te Rome, Italië 1867 - 1874

Sommer and Behles captured the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome, an enduring symbol of victory and imperial power. The arch itself, a motif that reappears across civilizations, speaks to our collective fascination with triumph. From the Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the archway serves as a passage through which heroes and conquerors make their glorious entrances. It is more than just a structure; it’s a stage for the enactment of power. Consider the psychological impact of passing beneath such a structure. The archway frames the victor, elevating him in the eyes of his contemporaries and in the annals of history. This act of glorification, however, carries a darker undercurrent. The celebration of triumph often overshadows the cost of war and conquest, embedding a complex mix of pride and repressed guilt in our collective consciousness. These arches are powerful reminders of our past, continuously reappearing in new forms, echoing through time, and prompting us to reflect on the ever-evolving narrative of human ambition and its consequences.