Vedute di Roma 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching, one of his Vedute di Roma, in 18th century Italy. These views were popular souvenirs for wealthy tourists on the Grand Tour, but Piranesi's go beyond simple documentation. He presents a vision of Rome that emphasizes its scale and grandeur, playing with light and shadow to create dramatic, almost theatrical scenes. Here, the massive arches and vaults dwarf the figures, highlighting Rome's imperial past. This wasn't just nostalgia. Piranesi was deeply involved in contemporary debates about architecture and classical antiquity. His detailed renderings served as both historical records and arguments for the superiority of Roman design. The work also reflects the growing importance of the art market and the rise of a new kind of art consumer – the educated traveler seeking both knowledge and aesthetic pleasure. Understanding Piranesi requires us to consider the cultural institutions that shaped his work. The Grand Tour, the art market, and the architectural debates of his time all contributed to the creation and reception of these iconic views.