Plattegrond van de stad Rome 1676

Giovanni Battista Falda etched this map of Rome around 1676, capturing the city’s layout. Dominating the scene is the Colosseum, an enduring symbol of Roman power and spectacle. Its circular form echoes ancient amphitheaters, arenas of life and death. This motif resurfaces through time, from medieval round tables to modern stadium designs, reflecting our collective fascination with enclosed spaces where drama unfolds. Note how the geometric precision of the formal gardens contrasts with the Colosseum's organic decay. The grid-like street patterns speak to Rome's ambition for order and control, a concept that has rippled across centuries, influencing urban planning from the Renaissance to the present day. This interplay between nature and artifice, chaos and order, touches something primal within us. It’s a tension that continues to shape our cities and our psyches. Each era adapts these symbols, reflecting evolving cultural values and emotional needs.