jan 1, 127 - Pantheon

Description:

The Pantheon, Imperial Roman, Rome, Italy c. 125

Best preserved ancient Roman monument, original bronze fitting ripped off. Its age is and history is visible on its surface. In modern days people are viewing the Pantheon several feet higher than it originally was. Originally a temple to the gods, later sanctified and made into à church. The front of the pantheon would have had à colonnade and would have obscured the barrel on the side to only see the temple front. No fluting on the columns rose into corinthian capitals, they are also monoliths, not like the columns of before that would have been made up of several drums. These columns were imported from Egypt, symbolic of Rome's power over the Mediterranean under Emperor Hadrian (who was responsible for having built the temple). The Pantheon is à radial building and has à central point. Its immense size is overwhelming and completely overtakes anyone coming in. Unlike other radial structures, its focal point is not on the floor in the center of the building, but rather midway up, like the center of à sphere. On the inside, there's à noticeable fascination with perfect geometrical shapes. The importance of concrete is highlighted in the dome ceiling. The concrete allows for vast, open, uninterrupted space. Pantheon originally contained sculptures of gods and deified emperors (pan=all, the(os) = god). This monument was about the divine, the earthly sphere meeting the heavenly sphere. Also focused on human perception, several colors, and demonstrations of wealth and influence. The oculus defies reason, one of the only lights that enter the space. The oculus is critical in the movement of the heavens, projects à sharp circle, and moves across the inside or the Pantheon. It makes visible the movements of the heavens.

Added to timeline:

Date: