The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XXIII. Cutaway view of the previous burial chambers. 

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a leading figure in the 18th-century Roman architectural scene, depicts a cutaway view of Roman burial chambers. Piranesi was known for his dramatic and detailed engravings of ancient Roman ruins, which captured the grandeur and decay of the city's past. This plate, part of his series "The Roman Antiquities", showcases the intricate structure of these chambers, highlighting the architectural ingenuity of the ancient Romans and the layers of history that have shaped the city. The use of strong contrasts, dramatic lighting, and precise detail creates a compelling and evocative image that invites viewers to imagine the lives and rituals that once took place within these spaces.