CEILINGS THAT SPEAK

DOUBLE POST

When do we fictionalize history? When do we treat myth as fact? What makes us attached to such stories? How do we think about the layering of the past, both literarily and metaphorically? How is this museum different from the Villia Guilia’s presentation or that of Centrale Montemartini? How is this location related to the rest of the city?

Small, Average and HUGE. Reflect on how these three words could be used to describe things we saw together today.What was messy or confusing today? Did you find anything inspirational? Did anything remind you of the US or NYC?

The Capitoline Museum was definitely my favorite museum so far. The space felt like more than just a museum. It was a place where art and power came together. Every room had something that grabbed my attention. The architecture alone was a reason to look around slowly. The wide halls, elegant staircases, and the decorated ceilings made it feel like a palace of history. One of the most impressive moments was looking up and seeing golden details and Roman symbols carved and painted into the ceilings. Most museums leave the ceiling empty or plain, but here it felt like the ceiling was part of the main event.

We fictionalize history when we admire people in power and choose to only remember their great qualities. A good example of that is Marcus Aurelius. He was a Roman emperor and also a philosopher who is known for his wisdom and leadership during hard times. People often speak of him with a kind of awe, like he was more than human. Seeing his statue on horseback in the museum showed just how much respect and glory the Romans gave him. The statue is large and full of motion. He looks calm and strong at the same time. It reminded me how stories about leaders can become larger than life, especially when they are told for generations.

As humans we love stories. We remember people through the stories we share and the emotions we feel while hearing them. This attachment makes myths feel true even if they are not based on full facts. The layering of the past, both in history and in storytelling, gives each generation something to build on. You could see that clearly in this museum where ancient Roman sculptures were placed near Renaissance paintings. Each time period added something new to the same thread of human creativity. It made me think of how art continues to evolve but never fully breaks away from what came before.

This museum felt very different from Villa Giulia and Centrale Montemartini. Villa Giulia focused more on Etruscan art and had a quieter feeling to it. Centrale Montemartini was really unique because of how old statues were placed next to industrial machines. But the Capitoline had a level of detail and luxury that made it feel like a major landmark in the city, not just a museum. It is also directly connected to Roman government history. SPQR signs were all over the building which made it clear that this place was deeply tied to Roman identity and politics. The walk up to the museum with all the steps added to the feeling that you were going somewhere important.

The words small, average and huge came to mind throughout the day. I saw small pieces of jewelry and coins that held personal stories. I saw average sized busts and sculptures that still showed power and detail. Then there were huge pieces like the head, foot and hand of Constantine, and the full size seated statue outside that made everyone stop and stare. Each size had its own impact and all were important in their own way.

Nothing felt too confusing today. In fact, this was the most organized museum visit I have had so far. I went through every floor and each section made sense in the way it was laid out. The Renaissance section reminded me a lot of the MET in NYC. But this museum felt cooler, probably because of its location and the way it blends modern museum style with ancient Roman design. The feeling of walking through a place that held so much power and history was inspirational. This part of the city was packed with people and full of energy. Tourists were everywhere, taking pictures and filling the streets. There were a lot of steps to climb, which made it feel like a BIG workout, but it was all worth it. The atmosphere was exciting and nonstop. Even though it was crowded, I would definitely come back again before I leave Rome. There was something special about this area that made it hard to walk away from.