A Reconstruction of the Mausoleum of Augustus (above) and a View of the Ruins (below) 1690 - 1704

This 17th-century etching by Dutch artist Jan Goeree depicts the Mausoleum of Augustus, a Roman imperial tomb located in Rome. The top half of the etching shows an architectural reconstruction of the mausoleum, while the lower half illustrates its ruined state. The artwork reflects the fascination with Roman antiquity prevalent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, highlighting the contrast between the idealized past and the present reality of decay. The etching's detailed depiction of the mausoleum and its surrounding landscape exemplifies Goeree's skill as a draftsman and his interest in classical architecture. The inclusion of a female figure seated upon a broken column further underscores the theme of time's passage and the impermanence of even the most grand structures.