View of the Theater of Marcellus 1741 - 1748

Giovanni Battista Piranesi’s etching "View of the Theater of Marcellus" (1741 - 1748) depicts the ancient Roman theater in its 18th-century context. The architectural grandeur of the structure is contrasted with the bustling activity of everyday life, showcasing Piranesi’s characteristic interest in Roman ruins and their integration into the city. This print is part of a larger series documenting Roman architecture and is considered a landmark work in the development of architectural etching. The work is held at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark.