The Roman ruins in Italy in present day.
This image was very visually attractive and interesting because just seeing how grand and intricate the structures were as were standing next to the more modern architecture in the back dates itself to how old the ruins are. The scale of the ruins is probably the key point that makes this image stand out to me, as the roads and background give comparable context.
Having visited the Roman Forum myself, I think this is such a great and beautiful example of ruins. Like you mentioned, seeing the juxtaposition between the old and fragmented Roman structures, compared to the newer architecture surrounds, makes it easier to appreciate the ruins even more, because you get a visual understanding of their age and how they have truly stood the test of time.
In class, we talked about Piranesi and his fascination with taking fragments of the past and creating something new. We cant recreate the past completely, but we can glorify and honor the past using the fragments that we are left with.
I think the Roman Forum is a beautiful example of how we are only left fragments of what happened long ago, but how we can still find the beauty in them. While visiting the forum, it is clear that this was an old ancient city, and although, beautiful in a re-imagined way, we are still only left with bits and pieces instead of the whole picture. I think being able to honor and appreciate ruins, is to know the story behind them and appreciate them for what they are in the present, regardless of their condition. Like how Piranesi took old fragmented pieces, and created something new out of it. The Forum is a great way to see how broken parts of the past are still honored within a new surrounding.