Graf van Publius Vibius Marianus 1675 - 1711

This print, titled "Grave of Publius Vibius Marianus" was made by an anonymous artist, and presents us with an idealized view of an ancient Roman tomb along the Via Cassia. The image creates meaning through a combination of visual codes and historical associations. The architectural monument suggests the might and grandeur of the Roman empire, while its partially ruined state hints at the passage of time. This fascination with ruins was typical of the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, during which the rediscovery of classical antiquity gained momentum through archeological digs and the Grand Tour. Artists, architects and intellectuals studied the remains of ancient civilizations in order to discover the social, cultural and political values of those societies. Understanding this work requires us to consider not only its aesthetic qualities but also its place within the broader cultural and intellectual landscape. Researching the history of archeology and the Grand Tour, for example, could help us understand the role of classical antiquity in shaping European identity and artistic production. This artwork is a reminder that art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.