Temple of Neptune at Paestum, seen form the side and drawn larger than in the the first plate 1778

Giovanni Battista Piranesi's etching, *Temple of Neptune at Paestum, seen from the side and drawn larger than in the the first plate*, is a powerful depiction of the ancient ruins. The dramatic use of light and shadow, typical of Piranesi's style, highlights the imposing scale of the temple, while the figures in the foreground emphasize the vastness of the structure. Created in 1778, the year of Piranesi's death, this print demonstrates the artist's enduring fascination with the classical world and his skillful mastery of the etching technique. Piranesi's work played a crucial role in reviving interest in ancient Roman architecture and continues to inspire artists and art-lovers alike.