Rome after Rome

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In his 1992 work, Joel Sternfeld examined the ruins of grand structures, warning that great civilizations fall, including our own. In his latest exploration, he expands on this theme, questioning the identity of modern Romans and their connection to the splendor of the past. He probes the nature of contemporary life against the backdrop of an idealized Arcadia, pondering the possibility of Utopia in today's world. The Campagna, the countryside surrounding Rome, holds a significant place in both Roman and human history. Once a polluted, malarial landscape, it was revitalized by emperors, flourishing with towns and villas, and nourished by aqueducts. However, after the fall of Rome, the Campagna became desolate for over a millennium, marked by gloomy tombs and ruins. This landscape attracted artists like Dürer, Lorrain, and Turner, who sought to understand Rome's greatness and its decline. They envisioned a time when Roman gods roamed and humanity thrived in a golden age. While central Rome transformed with Baroque architecture concealing history, the Campagna remained a canvas where the past was visible, allowing for limitless imagination.