The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XI. Urban Walls. 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this engraving, "Urban Walls," as part of his series on Roman antiquities. The print confronts us with the stark geometry of ancient Roman ruins. The composition, dominated by strong horizontal and vertical lines, evokes a sense of weight and permanence. Piranesi's masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect. The cross-hatching technique defines the texture and volume of the stone blocks. Note the contrast between the solid, structured architecture and the fragmented, almost ethereal void that surrounds it. This juxtaposition hints at the transient nature of human achievement against the enduring backdrop of time. Ultimately, the print invites contemplation on the relationship between past and present. It serves as a reminder of the layers of history embedded within the urban landscape. Piranesi's work exists as an ongoing dialogue between the artist, the subject, and the viewer.