Vedute di Roma 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created ‘Vedute di Roma’ as part of a series of prints, during a time when Rome was a popular destination for wealthy Europeans on the Grand Tour. Piranesi capitalizes on this fascination with Rome. Yet, he presents us not with pristine monuments, but instead with grand ruins. Look at the scale of the aqueduct against the figures in the foreground. The contrast emphasizes the aqueduct's decay, overtaken by vegetation and time. Piranesi’s Rome is not just a backdrop, but a stage where everyday life unfolds amidst the remnants of past glory. This print invites us to consider themes of power, decline, and the passage of time. Piranesi captures Rome’s layered history, its simultaneous beauty and decay, making us reflect on the cyclical nature of civilizations. The aqueducts stand as silent witnesses to history, prompting contemplation on what remains and what fades away.