Plate 21: Temple of Pola in Istria (Tempio di Pola in Istria) 1743 - 1753

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, "Plate 21: Temple of Pola in Istria (Tempio di Pola in Istria)," was created between 1743 and 1753. It depicts the Temple of Augustus, an ancient Roman temple in Pula, Croatia. Piranesi was known for his dramatic and detailed renderings of ancient Roman architecture, and this etching is a prime example of his style. The ruins are depicted with a sense of grandeur and mystery, emphasizing the passage of time and the enduring power of Roman civilization. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the inclusion of figures in the foreground provides a human scale to the scene.