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The many faces of the Pantheon v.1 |
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written
by minhan / 10.24.2005 |
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Part 1: |
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Although the pantheon stays in the same place everyday, the space seems to change throughout the day. Going to the pantheon at different times of the day, revealed something new to me each time. My first experience to the inside of the site was at noon with a group of people. My first physical reaction was cranking my neck up and just staring, my eyes and head whirling around in every direction. My first impression was of how open and vast I thought the inside ones but I did not feel small or insignificant; however, since I was with a group of eighteen, I felt bigger because I associated myself with the group and as a whole we took over quite a space on the ground. I did not notice that much that time because with a group I did not fully let myself go to take in everything. Even being there, I somewhat consciously felt like I was more aware of my group then what was all around and above me.
As I step through the huge doors of the Pantheon as it just opened, I got to see the area with barely anyone there. The quietness was powerful as the silence was spread throughout a huge area meant for its great acoustics. With the place to myself, I begin to notice details that I had not noticed before. By myself, I felt like the circular shape and flow of the inside wrapped me up. Staring up, I did not notice anyone else; it was only me in my mind taking in what I saw. I let my mind pretty much stop thinking and just let the atmosphere engross me. I felt small and intimidated at first but then the curved arches seemed to welcome me to keep looking to find the next treasure for my eyes.
Upon entering, I was leaving the sunlit piazza and entering the more solemn lit area of the Pantheon. However, walking in deeper, the sun shines intensely in through the oculus as if the power of the sun was being collected and then released. I follow the sun rays up to its origin. Standing underneath the oculus, in the middle of the room, I finally notice the drainage hole. I wonder why I had not noticed this before on my other visits. I sat on the bench and looked inwards with barely anyone on the floor, however, the downward slanted floor seemed to call for me to get off my bench and walk up the center and around. Standing there in the middle, the noise I hear isn’t from the inside but from the outside daily routines, setting up shops, construction, as it enters and echoes throughout the area. In the morning, when there is no one there, sound plays an important part in the Pantheon image. The silence allows my senses to become more sensitive, my ears are relaxed and my sight heightened to allow me to see previously unnoticed things. I noticed more of the side and the circular trim, which I followed with my eyes the whole way around. The fluidity seemed to wrap me up and say this is a place where everyone can come and be protected and heard.
At 1pm, the column of sunlight from the oculus was focused exactly at the entrance of the Pantheon. This drew me in to stand before the door in the warm sun. As I entered, the sun was in front of me, rather than behind me as in the morning. The sun shining on the doors made the entryway seem welcoming and very heavenly. The intense sunlight accentuated everything in its path and I was completely underneath its spell. The particles in the air float peacefully in the column of sunlight leading up to the oculus. Watching the particles created a very uplifting feeling as if I was also floating along.
Closing time was busy as usual as tourists tried to get the last chance to see the site. The artificial lights were on with less of the natural light shining in. The lack of light accentuated the enclosing walls that were hidden to me during the day as I was distracted with the light. The darker area seemed to create a more religious area, where contemplation could take place. The artificial light from the end of the dome creates the same shadows on each panel of the ceilings. This eerie symmetry is not seen when its just natural light creating various shadows. The darkness a more heavy feeling upon me and now feels like an area that is closing on me instead of an open big area. Taking away the main focus of my other visits, light, allowed me to see all that were hidden. It allowed my eyes to rest and let my inner emotions to fully feel the strong aura of the pantheon.
Throughout the day, my senses were given quiet the exercise. Each time of day accentuated some senses while giving others some rest. With different combination of senses alert, I noticed and felt different things from the Pantheon.
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Part 2: |
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“I am working in the Rome center and I hear thunder and see lightning. The day had been humid. This only meant one thing – rain. I rush out to try to beat the rain as I head to the pantheon. Too late. It starts to pour and with every step on the soon becoming slick cobblestone, the raindrops intensify in frequency. I am running to the pantheon now as fast as I can. Crowds of people, people that were visiting the pantheon but also people that had just been wandering in the area, stand underneath the coverings. Although the rain is at its peak, the columns of the pantheon remain dry, suggesting and enticing a safe haven from the rain. As I enter and squeeze through the crowd, I see it, what everyone is encircling. I move closer, all the way to the ropes that encircle the area directly below the oculus. I have not escaped the rain but have only reached the place with the most intensity. A perfect circle is outlined on the floor by a pool of water. I see now what I had not seen before, the floor slopes down towards the center and this decline starts at the exact spot where the edge of the circle formed by the pool of water. I look up to see the source of this water. This is when awe comes to me. The rain is coming down perfectly straight, every drop distinct and unique. I follow the drop from the top to the bottom as it first appears light and fluffy like snow and then seems to speed up as it races down and plops and joins the pool below. Thunder continues and I see a lightning bolt through the oculus. The sound echoes powerfully encompassing everything I hear.”
Experiencing the Pantheon when it rained showed the Pantheon at its great. Everything seen had a function at that time to portray the great power of the Roman religion. The dry columns invite everyone into for shelter and when they enter they see the full wrath of the Roman gods, especially that of Jupiter’s. The thunder is amplified in the rotunda, emphasizing the greatness of Jupiter and evoking fear and intimidation. The pool of water seem magical because it does not spread out towards the people but remains perfectly in the center like some force is holding it back. The optical illusion of the huge circle formed on the floor from the seemingly small opening of the oculus intensifies the power of the rain. The rain seems like it is appearing from nowhere and as each raindrop falls down the sight can be seen as miraculous. During the ancient times, this image must have created many believers of the power of the gods. Also since it drew in people that were not inside the temple already when it rained, it may have drew in people that were not believers yet before seeing the wrath of the gods. Similarly, in modern times, when it rains, people around the area come seek the shelter of the pantheon and with this action see the unexpected incredible optical illusion of the pantheon. In the rotunda everyone was united and centered at the same spot staring into the open sky. This event may have provided a very unifying experience for the Romans.
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