View of main facade of the Trajan Column, six boards together 

This etching of the Trajan Column was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an Italian artist known for his depictions of Roman antiquities, in the 18th century. Piranesi’s images played a crucial role in shaping the 18th-century view of Rome, particularly at a time when the city was being rediscovered by wealthy Europeans on the Grand Tour. This print showcases the Column of Trajan, a monument erected in ancient Rome to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. By detailing the column's facade, Piranesi invites viewers to marvel at the engineering and artistic achievements of the Roman Empire. His work reflects a growing interest in the classical world and served as a visual resource for architects, scholars, and artists eager to revive classical styles. This image serves as a reminder of the role of art in shaping perceptions of history. To understand it better, we could research the Grand Tour, the history of archaeology, and the institutions that promoted the study of classical antiquity.