A Roman Capriccio
18th century
Giovanni Paolo Panini was basically the 18th-century equivalent of an architectural Instagrammer, obsessed with capturing the glory of Rome—even when it was falling apart. In this 'capriccio,' or architectural fantasy, he mashes up various Roman ruins into one dreamlike scene where a reclining statue watches over travelers resting among the rubble. Massive crumbling arches frame a distant obelisk, creating a sense of deep perspective. It's a perfect example of the Baroque love for drama and decay, showing us that even in ruins, Rome was the center of the world.
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