The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXVIII. Plan, and elevation cross-section of the Tomb of the Scipios. 1756

"The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXVIII. Plan, and elevation cross-section of the Tomb of the Scipios." is a 1756 etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It depicts the Tomb of the Scipios, an ancient Roman necropolis, through a combination of plan and elevation views. The dramatic composition, featuring the tomb's intricate architecture, the surrounding landscape, and the looming sky with its clouds, was a characteristic feature of Piranesi's work, which often depicted the ruins of Rome with a sense of grandeur and melancholy. This etching is a testament to Piranesi's fascination with the Roman past and his ability to capture its majesty even in decay.