Udsigt over Rom fra Janiculum-højen 1834 - 1934

Johan Rohde’s etching, made sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, presents a sweeping vista of Rome from the Janiculum Hill. Rising above the ancient city are the recurring motifs of towers and trees, silent sentinels that punctuate the landscape. The tower, a symbol of power and watchfulness, echoes through human history, from the Tower of Babel to medieval fortifications. Here, it stands as a testament to Rome's enduring presence. Similarly, the trees, reaching skyward, recall the sacred groves of antiquity, emblems of life, growth, and the connection between the earthly and the divine. These natural forms invoke a primordial memory of humanity's relationship with nature. Such vertical elements compel us to consider our place within a grand, historical continuum. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its ability to evoke a sense of timelessness and historical depth. It reminds us that even as civilizations rise and fall, certain symbols endure.