Plattegrond van Rome in de Romeinse tijd (achtste deel) 1639 - 1691

Étienne Dupérac made this print, "Map of Rome in Roman Times, Part Eight," with etching and engraving techniques. Born in France, Dupérac lived in Rome, where he produced prints and drawings of ancient Roman monuments. These images played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of Rome's classical past. Notice how the map presents a bird's-eye view, which gives the viewer an overall sense of the city. It features detailed renderings of buildings and monuments. In the 16th century, the creation and dissemination of images like these was closely linked to the rise of antiquarianism, a cultural movement that emphasized the study and preservation of classical antiquity. Maps such as this one fuelled the Renaissance interest in classical learning and also served the ambitions of the Catholic Church, which sought to link itself to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Historians consult prints like these alongside texts, archaeological records, and architectural remains to better understand the complex interplay of social forces that shape our understanding of the past.