Trophy of Octavian Augustus ... 1751 - 1754

Editor: We are looking at "Trophy of Octavian Augustus…", an engraving by Giovanni Battista Piranesi from the mid-18th century. It's a towering mass of Baroque detail, depicting ancient Roman arms and armour. The sheer intricacy of the engraving is striking. What do you see when you look at this, beyond the masterful technique? Curator: Ah, Piranesi! He captures the drama and grandeur of Rome, but it is almost like a dream. These aren't just objective records, you know; they are imbued with his imagination, his own personal romantic vision of antiquity. Editor: A dream, you say? Curator: Yes, look closer, it's an extravagant fantasy. He meticulously recreates details while exaggerating the scale. It speaks to a sort of invented past, or perhaps even a longing for a grandeur that may never have truly existed. He's asking us, 'what do we want history to be?' rather than 'what was history, really?' Do you catch my drift? Editor: I think so! So it's less about accuracy and more about creating a feeling. I never would have considered it in this light. How interesting! I initially saw it as being more about documentation. Curator: Piranesi invites us into this intricate, almost theatrical set. His eye almost dares us to feel insignificant amongst it all, a bit like staring into a captivating opera scene. So it feels powerful! That's why his works are amazing: They reveal the constant dialogue we have between what was, and the tales we tell ourselves about it all. What is truth, then? Editor: So, thinking about it now, I realise Piranesi wants us to feel overwhelmed by the Roman Empire. The imaginary excess really sells the desired effect! Curator: Precisely! Next time we'll need to get our time machine ready for some first-hand research!