The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXXIII. Insight into the tomb of Alexander Severus. 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching of the tomb of Alexander Severus in the 18th century. The grand sarcophagus dominates the composition, its heavy form softened by the intricate carvings and statues that adorn it. The stark contrast between the dark lines and the white paper creates a dramatic visual experience. Piranesi masterfully uses line and shadow to convey depth and texture. He employs architectural fantasy to transform our understanding and perspective. This reflects the Enlightenment's fascination with classical antiquity, yet here it is mediated through a distinctly Baroque sensibility. The etching operates as a sign, pointing not just to the tomb itself but to a broader discourse on history, power, and artistic interpretation. Piranesi challenges fixed meanings by presenting a vision of antiquity that is both monumental and intensely personal. It invites ongoing interpretations and re-interpretations through the ages.