The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXXVIII 1756

This print of the Roman Colosseum was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an Italian artist and architect, in the mid-18th century. It comes from a series titled "The Roman Antiquities," and captures the state of the Colosseum at that time. Piranesi was fascinated by the grandeur of ancient Roman structures, even as they lay in ruin. The print’s perspective emphasizes the scale of the Colosseum, and highlights the contrast between the monument’s former glory and its current state. In 18th century Europe, there was a growing interest in the classical world, and Piranesi's prints played a crucial role in shaping contemporary perceptions of Roman history. By documenting these ruins, he presents a view of the past that is both awe-inspiring and melancholic. To fully appreciate Piranesi's work, scholars consult a variety of sources: architectural treatises, historical accounts, and even other artists' depictions of Rome. This helps us understand the changing attitudes toward classical antiquity and the ways in which those ideas shaped the art of the time.