Vedute di Roma 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching, called Vedute di Roma, or Views of Rome, at some point during his career in the 18th century. It represents the ruins of the Curia Ostilia. Piranesi was not just an artist, but also an antiquarian, and his work needs to be seen in relation to the revival of classical learning in the 1700s. The ruined state of the Curia is emphasized, as is the presence of contemporary figures amidst the wreckage. He is making an argument about the importance of this historical site, and the continuity of Roman civilization, despite its decline. We can understand this image better if we research the architectural history of Rome, but also the development of the art market, and institutions such as the British School in Rome, where archaeological discoveries were regularly reported. Studying these resources can help us better understand the cultural context of this work.