Figuren in ruïne van de thermen van Caracalla c. 1640 - 1660

Nicolas Perelle created this print of the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla sometime in the 17th century. The Baths, built in ancient Rome, were a center for social life, open to all citizens regardless of class, race, or gender. Perelle’s image captures the scale of the ruins while also populating the space with figures who seem to use the space as a meeting place. Consider how the grandeur of Roman architecture might invoke feelings of historical continuity and cultural pride. This artistic interest in ruins coincided with a broader cultural movement known as the Grand Tour, where privileged Europeans, primarily men, traveled to Italy to immerse themselves in its history, art, and culture. What does it mean to see these ruins as a backdrop for social interaction? The artist invites us to reflect on the passage of time and the relationship between past and present. He prompts us to consider the social, political, and personal dimensions of historical spaces.