The Roman antiquities, t. 4, Plate XIV. View of Bridge St. Angel, from the Castle towards the road of Banks. 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print of the Bridge St. Angel in Rome using etching techniques. It captures the materiality of the bridge's construction, highlighting the interplay of travertine, peperino, and tufa stones, with the internal workings carefully linked to the outer layers. Piranesi's meticulous rendering emphasizes the labor-intensive process of quarrying, shaping, and assembling these massive blocks. The rough-hewn surfaces and precise joints reveal a deep understanding of material properties and structural integrity. These ancient stones serve as the foundation for the modern Teatro di Tordinona. This print serves as both an archaeological record and an artistic statement. Piranesi elevates the craft of building to the level of fine art, inviting us to appreciate the ingenuity and skill embedded in the city's very fabric. It is a testament to the enduring power of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.