View of the upper floor of the menagerie of wild beasts made ​​by Domitian for the use of the Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known as the Curia and Ostilia 

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a prominent Italian artist of the 18th century, depicts the ruins of the Flavian Amphitheater. The piece offers a dramatic view of the interior of the menagerie, an architectural marvel built by Roman Emperor Domitian. The use of strong light and shadow emphasizes the crumbling structures and adds a sense of depth to the composition, inviting the viewer to contemplate the passage of time and the impermanence of even the most grand structures. Piranesi's meticulous attention to detail and dramatic presentation cemented his reputation as a master of architectural illustration and his work remains a testament to the beauty and decay of ancient Roman architecture.