Students in Prof. Maryl Gensheimer's Roman Art and Archeology tour US Capitol

Future Lawmakers get an Up-Close Look at the Nation's Roman-Order Architecture

On Thursday, October 29th, students in ARTH303 had the opportunity to have a private tour of the US Capitol led by the Architect of the Capitol.  Throughout the semester, students in ARTH303 investigate (chronologically, geographically, sociopolitically, culturally, iconographically) Roman art and archaeology in various art media.  Their capstone assignment, the so-called Design Project, asks them to re-contextualize that knowledge and to use the principles and aesthetics of Roman art and architecture to design a building on UMD's campus that makes Roman elements germane today, in 2026.  To that end, seeing the various uses and adaptations of Roman elements in the Capitol (whether Washington's apotheosis, the rotunda, the Brumidi paintings, statuary hall, even just the name "Senate" on various signs) helps visualize the legacy of Rome in contemporary America and enriches this assignment for students.  Everyone who was able to visit appreciated the chance to see the building in such an immersive and special way.