Plate 9: Arch of Constantine in Rome (Arco di Costantino in Roma) 1743 - 1753

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this engraving of the Arch of Constantine in Rome, a testament to power and legacy. Piranesi, working in the 18th century, was deeply influenced by the Grand Tour—a traditional trip of Europe undertaken by upper-class European young men. These travels reinforced class distinctions and colonial power dynamics, with Rome serving as a key site for the study of ancient civilizations. Piranesi both participated in and critiqued the travelers' desires. His detailed rendering of the Arch, viewed through a sort of organic, vine-covered frame, presents a romantic yet imposing view of Roman power. While seemingly celebrating Roman architecture, Piranesi also subtly questions the grand narratives of empire. He does this by drawing attention to the ruins and, implying the inevitable decline of even the most powerful civilizations. The print invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history and the cultural biases inherent in the appreciation of ancient artifacts. How do we reconcile the beauty of such monuments with the history of conquest and domination they represent?