Ruïnes van het paleis van Septimus Severus op de Palatijn 1624

Paul Bril created this drawing of the Ruins of the Palace of Septimus Severus on the Palatine using pen and brown ink, around 1624. The delicate rendering of the ruined arches and walls invites the viewer into a space where time seems suspended. Bril masterfully uses line and shade to create depth and texture. The meticulous cross-hatching on the stone structures contrasts with the soft, flowing lines of the vegetation, highlighting the tension between the enduring strength of architecture and the persistent forces of nature. The composition, with its strong vertical elements and receding planes, emphasizes the vastness of the ruins. The drawing reflects a broader cultural interest in classical antiquity and its decay. The ruins symbolize not only physical remnants but also the transience of power and civilization. In Bril's Ruins, we are reminded of the continuous cycle of construction and destruction, inviting contemplation on the ephemeral nature of human endeavor.