Statue of Minerva 1748

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching titled "Statue of Minerva" sometime in the 18th century. In it, we see the iconic Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, trade, and defense amidst a whirlwind of classical allusions. Piranesi was working in Rome at a time when the city's ancient past was being rediscovered and re-imagined. This image is a testament to the fascination with antiquity, but also to the way that the past could be reshaped to suit contemporary tastes and ideologies. The image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, offering a romanticized vision of Roman grandeur. To truly understand Piranesi's work, we might delve into the history of archaeology, the Grand Tour, and the rise of Neoclassicism. Understanding the social and institutional context allows us to appreciate the complex interplay between past and present that defines this fascinating work.