Lateral view of the Trevi Fountain, previously called the Acqua Vergine, with carriages to the foreground 1751

This is a lateral view of the Trevi Fountain, previously called the Acqua Vergine, with carriages in the foreground, made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Through the cultural lens of 18th-century Rome, Piranesi captures not just the architectural marvel of the fountain but also its social theatre. Look at the people bustling about, their carriages signifying social class amid the backdrop of papal Rome. The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, was more than just a water source; it was a statement of papal power and civic pride. Piranesi, through his detailed etching, emphasizes the grandeur and the public nature of this space. To truly understand this image, we must dive into the archives. Consider the patronage system of the era, the role of the papacy in shaping Rome's urban landscape, and the aspirations of its citizens. The historian's role is to peel back the layers of time, revealing the complex interplay of art, power, and society that define this iconic image.