Vedute di Roma 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print of Rome, titled "Vedute di Roma", using etching techniques. The composition is dominated by the stark verticality of the Column of Antoninus, asserting its presence through a complex interplay of dark and light that shapes the scene. The hatching of the lines carves out form, casting a somber mood over the cityscape. The structure, both in its cylindrical shape and detailed carvings, serves as a signifier, not only of Roman imperial power but also of history, grandeur, and decay. Note how Piranesi’s technical skill highlights these intricate details. Piranesi employs a structuralist approach, offering a layered narrative through architectural symbols. The column disrupts conventional perception, challenging us to reconsider our relationship with history and space. It invites us to question the meanings inscribed in the city. The column is a signifier, pointing to the complex interplay between past and present.