Ruins of an ancient tomb in front of ruins of an ancient aqueduct; above the arches of the latter is the channel which conveyed the water to Rome... 1743

This etching, “Ruins of an ancient tomb in front of ruins of an ancient aqueduct,” is a part of the “Vedute di Roma” series of prints created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1743. Piranesi was known for his detailed and dramatic depictions of Roman ruins. His prints often conveyed a sense of grandeur and decay, reflecting his fascination with the power and impermanence of the Roman Empire. The artwork shows a collection of fallen columns and arches against a backdrop of overgrown vegetation. Piranesi's signature style, using dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to highlight the architecture, is a hallmark of this artwork.