Iscrizioni delle Camere sepolcrali de' Liberti e Servi, ec. della Famiglia di Augusto, XXXVI 1756 - 1785

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print, titled "Iscrizioni delle Camere sepolcrali," which translates to "Inscriptions from the burial chambers," sometime in the 18th century. Piranesi lived during a time of renewed interest in classical antiquity. He was known for his detailed and dramatic depictions of Roman ruins and monuments. This print presents a collection of inscriptions found in burial chambers, specifically those associated with freedmen and servants of the family of Augustus. In ancient Rome, freedmen often occupied a complex social position, having once been enslaved but later gaining freedom, and sometimes achieving considerable wealth and influence. Piranesi’s work captures not only the physical remnants of these ancient lives but also invites contemplation on the social structures and personal stories embedded within these fragments. The act of documenting these inscriptions serves as a way to preserve and honor the memory of those who, though not members of the elite, contributed to the fabric of Roman society. The crumbling state of the stones evokes an emotional response, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of life and memory.