About this piece
back to topA 19th Century Watercolour of the Roman Forum in central Rome.
An enthralling view from inside the ruinous remains of the Roman Forum, long before any protections or reconstructions had taken place.
To the right, the Arch of Septimius Severus is shown with a narrow perspective, seemingly to allow the Temple of Saturn to the left to fit. Just of centre the unmistakeable Temple of Vespasian and Titus stands on its three remaining columns.
The foreground is littered with the capitols of former structures, with long since removed friezes. Known as the Plutei of Trajan, the marble relief of the bull and sheep of the Suovetaurilia can be viewed to the centre-left, obscured by the Destruction of Debt Records. Both now housed indoors.
Before the friezes, a fallen column is scrawled with “MEW” in red graffiti, obscured by the frame. This vandalism deliberately captured gives a unique perspective of history, making the piece almost contemporary.
