The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XVIX. Inscriptions and fragments of the burial chamber above. 1756

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, part of his series *Roman Antiquities*, depicts fragments of inscriptions from a Roman burial chamber. The artist, known for his meticulous detail and dramatic use of light and shadow, presents these archaeological discoveries in a way that evokes a sense of mystery and the passage of time. The fractured stones and partially visible inscriptions create a sense of incompleteness, reflecting the fragmentary nature of Roman history itself. Piranesi’s work is considered essential for understanding the architectural ruins of ancient Rome, and his detailed etchings are invaluable for historians and art enthusiasts alike.