Reizigers bij de Piramide van Cestius 1698

"Reizigers bij de Piramide van Cestius" is a 1698 etching by Georg Philipp Rugendas, showcasing the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome, a monument to the Roman magistrate Gaius Cestius. The etching depicts two travelers, one on horseback, the other walking, near the pyramid. It is a small work, measuring just 89 mm in height and 107 mm in width, but it provides a glimpse into the daily life of travelers in Rome during the late 17th century. The drawing style is precise and detailed, with the pyramid taking center stage as a prominent landmark in the Italian landscape. Rugendas' use of shading and hatching effectively captures the texture of the stone and the depth of the surrounding ruins. This small etching is a testament to Rugendas' skill as a draftsman and his keen observation of the world around him.