Plans of elevations and sections of Thermopolium 

This is Giovanni Battista Piranesi's "Plans of elevations and sections of Thermopolium". Piranesi was an Italian artist celebrated for his etchings of Roman architecture. Living in the 18th century, he occupied a unique position, straddling the line between artist, architect, and archaeologist during the height of the Grand Tour era. Piranesi’s detailed engravings often highlighted the grandeur of ancient Roman structures. Yet, these weren't straightforward representations. They are infused with his interpretations and romanticized visions, contributing to the era's fascination with the past. Consider how Piranesi renders the Thermopolium, a kind of ancient fast-food shop. His detailed plans and elevations evoke the everyday lives of the people who occupied these spaces. The image gives a palpable sense of history and a glimpse into a world that was both familiar and irrevocably lost. It invites us to reflect on the passage of time, cultural memory, and the stories embedded within architectural spaces.