The Roman antiquities, t. 4, Plate XXVII. One of the fragments of the ancient map of Rome showing the layout of the stage of the Theatre of Marcellus. 

This etching, "The Roman antiquities, t. 4, Plate XXVII," is part of Giovanni Battista Piranesi's famous series "Antichità Romane" (Roman Antiquities), published in 1756. Piranesi was a master of architectural and archaeological illustration, and this etching showcases his meticulous attention to detail and his understanding of Roman architecture. The image depicts a reconstruction of the Theatre of Marcellus, an ancient Roman theater built in the 1st century BC. The detailed depiction of the theater’s stage, its crumbling walls, and the surrounding cityscape illustrates the state of the ruins at the time. Piranesi's work aimed to document and revive interest in Roman architecture, leaving a lasting impact on the study of classical Roman architecture.