The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate IX. Plan of the burial chambers of `Liberti, and Family L. Arrunzio. 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching titled "The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate IX. Plan of the burial chambers of `Liberti, and Family L. Arrunzio" some time in the mid-18th century. It showcases his interest in the grandeur and decay of ancient Roman architecture. Piranesi lived in a time when Rome was being rediscovered through archaeological excavations. He presents a scene of both majesty and ruin, where the remnants of a once-great civilization are being explored. His focus was often on the social and cultural context of these ruins rather than just their aesthetic appeal. This image speaks to the prevailing social structures of the time, where the past was being re-evaluated through the lens of the present. Piranesi challenges viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the impact of history on contemporary society. To truly understand Piranesi's work, we might turn to historical archives, architectural treatises, and social commentaries of the period. By doing so, we gain insight into the complex interplay between art, history, and society.