Termae Deocletiani, from a Series of Prints depicting (reconstructed) Buildings from Roman Antiquity 1530 - 1550

This print of the Termae Deocletiani was made in the mid-16th century by an artist known as Monogrammist G.A. and the Caltrop. It's part of a series depicting reconstructed buildings from Roman antiquity. This image reflects the rising interest of the Renaissance in classical antiquity. The artist renders an imagined view of a grand Roman structure, complete with statuary and detailed architectural elements. Made in Italy, this print comes from a period when the ruins of the Roman Empire were being re-examined, and were informing new approaches to art and architecture. The image creates meaning through its meticulous lines and perspective, evoking a sense of historical grandeur. The choice of subject reflects the cultural values of the time, with the institutional settings, such as the printing press and the art market, enabling the circulation of such images and reinforcing the social status of classical knowledge. Understanding this print requires us to look at the artist’s sources and the intellectual environment of his time, consulting books and collections of antiquarian studies to better understand the artist's vision.