Transverse section and details of sluices 1761

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this print, "Transverse section and details of sluices," using etching, sometime in the 18th century. Piranesi was known for his dramatic views of Roman architecture and ruins, often playing with scale and perspective. Here, he turns his attention to the practical mechanics of water management, depicting a cross-section of sluices, part of the Acqua Giulia aqueduct. Made in Italy, a country steeped in classical history, Piranesi's work reflects the period's fascination with Roman engineering and its ambition to revive the grandeur of the past. This print isn't just a technical diagram; it's a statement about Rome’s historical identity, linking its glorious past with its present needs. To understand this print fully, we can look at the history of Roman aqueducts, the architectural styles of the period, and the role of prints in disseminating knowledge and shaping cultural identity.