Thermen van Caracalla 1680

Hieronymus Ferri’s 1680 etching of the Baths of Caracalla, "Thermen van Caracalla," depicts the ancient Roman bath complex in a state of ruin. The artist's use of intricate lines and shading captures the crumbling arches and overgrown vegetation, creating a sense of decay and grandeur. The etching evokes the passage of time and the enduring power of Roman architecture, even in its crumbling state. This piece is a testament to the fascination with Roman ruins, a theme prevalent in European art of the Baroque period.