Day 57: Marco Bianchi

While sketching the ancient stones of the Roman Forum, I met Marco Bianchi, a local historian. Marco shared insights about Rome's past with an infectious enthusiasm, breathing life into my sketches. He talked about emperors and commoners, grandeur and decay, revealing layers of history not found in any guidebook. Our conversation was a bridge between past and present, adding depth to my drawings. As the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the Forum, our conversation shifted from history to the essence of art in preserving memory. Marco believes that every brush stroke and line drawn by an artist captures not just a scene, but the soul of a place, making history tangible. I was inspired by this and realized that my sketches did more than replicate ruins; they were my way of communicating with history, reflecting Rome's eternal spirit through my eyes. Today was not only about exploring a landmark. It was also about connecting with a stranger who shared my passion for the past. This enriched my experience of this ancient city. As I left, the Forum behind me felt more alive. Its stories were now interwoven with my own journey.