View of the arches of the consuls Dolabella and Silanus enclosed within the Neronian arches of the Acqua Claudia, from the series 'Roman Antiquities' (Le Antichità Romane) 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi's etching, "View of the arches of the consuls Dolabella and Silanus enclosed within the Neronian arches of the Acqua Claudia," is from his series "Roman Antiquities" (Le Antichità Romane) and was created in 1756. The piece depicts the crumbling ruins of Roman arches, illustrating the majestic power of the past and their eventual decay. The dramatic use of light and shadow emphasizes the grandeur of the structures and their fragility, a recurring theme in Piranesi's work. The etching’s meticulous detail and accurate perspective offer a glimpse into the architectural wonders of ancient Rome, drawing viewers into the history of the city.