Egyptische obelisk op Piazza dell'Esquilino te Rome 1589

This engraving by an anonymous artist, dated 1589, depicts the Egyptian obelisk on the Piazza dell'Esquilino in Rome. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a detailed view of the obelisk, a towering monolith adorned with a cross at its apex. Surrounding the obelisk are several buildings, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The engraving captures the grandeur of the obelisk, a symbol of Roman power and religious devotion. The artwork is an excellent example of Renaissance-era printmaking, where artists sought to document and disseminate knowledge about historical sites and monuments.