The Hippodrome of Aurelius 1641

Editor: Here we have Giacomo Lauro's "The Hippodrome of Aurelius." It's an etching, quite small, but packed with detail. I'm struck by how the artist reconstructs this ancient space. What can you tell me about the hippodrome's significance? Curator: Well, the hippodrome was far more than just a racetrack. It was a stage for imperial power. Consider the obelisk, prominently placed – a direct visual link to the authority and grandeur of the Roman Emperors. Editor: So, the image isn't just about the architecture, it's about the power structures inherent in Roman society. Curator: Exactly. How was this space used to display power, and who was invited to participate? This image allows us to think about the politics of imagery then and now. Editor: I never considered the political dimensions of the racetrack. That's definitely something to think about. Curator: Precisely, and that is why the history of an image can offer a lesson in cultural history, in society, and in power.