I F O (Identified Flavian Object)

1973

tempera on canvas 70x100 cm

Dedicated to “E.T.” and to the Roman Emperors of the Flavian Dynasty

The Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is the most imposing monument of ancient Rome remaining with us today. It was the largest Roman amphitheatre, capable of seating some 50,000 spectators, and was built as a ‘gift’ to the Roman people, on the exact spot of Emperor Nero's private lake, which had been within the vast grounds of the Domus Aurea.

The Coliseum was built during the Flavian dynasty, the second Roman imperial dynasty, which was in power from 69 to 96 AD. In this picture, it rises hauntingly into the night sky and becomes a UFO – no ! An IFO.