Amazone 

This is Giovanni Battista Piranesi’s etching of an ancient sculpture called “Amazone,” made in Rome sometime before 1778. It depicts an Amazon warrior, a figure from Greek mythology known for their martial prowess and independence, attributes that challenged the patriarchal norms of ancient Greek society. Piranesi, however, wasn’t just interested in documenting ancient art. His etchings were part of a broader project of celebrating Roman history and culture, often with a political edge. In this image, the Amazon is presented as a symbol of strength and virtue, aligning her with the values of the Roman Republic. Piranesi was working at a time when the Catholic Church was still a major patron of the arts, and his work often reflects the conservative values of his patrons. To learn more about this image, one might look into the history of the Vatican Museums, where the sculpture was housed, or study the political climate of 18th-century Rome.