The Gate of St. Sebastian, plate seventeen from the Ruins of Rome c. 1796

This aquatint print, "The Gate of St. Sebastian" by M. Dubourg, is part of the "Ruins of Rome" series, showcasing the beauty of ancient Roman architecture in a romantic light. The artwork depicts a picturesque view of the Gate of St. Sebastian, a 4th century Roman gate, now partially ruined, with its imposing archway framed by lush vegetation. The print, created around 1796, captures the grandeur of the past and the allure of the picturesque ruins, a popular subject in Romanticism. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this remarkable piece, a testament to the enduring fascination with classical history and the artistic sensibilities of the late 18th century.