Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: The Egyptian Obelisk of Augustus 1589

This 1589 engraving, by an anonymous artist, depicts the Egyptian obelisk of Augustus, which was erected in Rome by Pope Sixtus V. The obelisk, which was originally brought from Egypt to Rome, is shown in the center of the image, surrounded by a detailed depiction of the surrounding architecture. The use of linework to create the image is typical of 16th-century engravings.