Inside the Density of G. B. Piranesi's Ichnographia Campi Martii | pagan - christian - triumphal way 5.2 |
The viam triumphaiam within the Ichnographia Campi Martii begins in the Area Martis, the forecourt of the Temple of Mars which Piranesi positions within the Vatican valley. Even though there once actually was a Via Triumphalis in this section of ancient Rome, the route of the triumphal way never began here. Nevertheless, Piranesi clearly demonstrates his intentions through planimetric symbolism. The plan of the Templum Martis (1) is clearly derivative of male genitalia, and the dashed line indicating the path of the triumphal way evokes the issuance of sperm, in this case the sperm of Mars which ultimately produced the triumphant Romulus. It can even be said that the surrounded void of the Area Martis (2) represents a womb, and thus it the Arcus Trajani (3), the Arch of Trajan, which delivers the Triumph on its way. |
Piranesi very carefully fused his rendition of the Triumphal Way with the origins of Rome itself. |
Quondam © 2003.07.16 |