The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XL. View of a tomb oldest existing bridge in a vineyard near Lugano. 1756

This is a detailed engraving by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an Italian artist known for his dramatic depictions of Roman ruins. Created in 1756, the print shows a plan of the tomb complex located near Lugano, Italy. The intricate layout of the tomb is meticulously illustrated with various sections labeled, revealing the internal structure and architectural elements. Piranesi’s dramatic use of light and shadow, typical of his work, highlights the grandeur of the Roman ruins and the scale of this ancient monument. This drawing, part of a larger series, further contributes to Piranesi’s legacy as an artist who documented and celebrated the architectural wonders of the Roman Empire.