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The Tarpeian Rock, Rome, 1864. Creator: Mason Jackson
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The Tarpeian Rock, Rome, 1864. Creator: Mason Jackson
The Tarpeian Rock, Rome, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by M. Mariani. 'This locality of sinister recollections is now only frequented by washer-women, who peacefully spread out their linen to dry on the spot where, as recorded by Titus Livius and other early historians, numbers of more or less celebrated Romans met with a traitor's death by being precipitated from the Tarpeian Rock...The topographical disposition of the spot scarcely induces the visitor to imagine that he is standing upon the rock itself...[It] is partly covered by some old houses which prevent it from being seen from the gardens above. These houses replace the high wall that formerly surmounted the rock. As regards the name given to this famous rock...in the year 746 b.c...the unfortunate Tarpeia was buried in the mountain, which has ever since borne the name of the Tarpeian Rock, and which became, afterwards, the spot whence traitors to their country were hurled to destruction. The incline that crosses the lane has been formed by rubbish thrown during several ages from the summit of the rock, which thus appears to have diminished greatly, more than forty feet of detritus having been at different times deposited at its base'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38074249
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print of The Tarpeian Rock in Rome, taken in 1864 by Mason Jackson, transports us back to a time of sinister recollections and historical significance. Engraved from a sketch by M. Mariani, the image depicts the once-feared location where traitors to Rome met their demise by being thrown off the rock.
Despite its dark past, the Tarpeian Rock is now only visited by peaceful washer-women who dry their linen on its grounds. Covered partly by old houses that obscure its true nature, it is hard for visitors to imagine they are standing on such a notorious landmark.
The name of this famous rock stems from the tragic tale of Tarpeia, who was buried there in 746 B.C. Since then, it became a symbol of betrayal and punishment for those who turned against their country.
As described in "Illustrated London News" in 1864, the incline crossing the lane leading up to the rock has been formed over centuries by rubble discarded from above. This gradual accumulation has significantly reduced the height of the rock over time.
Mason Jackson's print captures not just an image but also a piece of history frozen in time – reminding us of Rome's turbulent past and how even infamous landmarks can evolve with changing times.
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