Friezes of Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching of Etruscan tomb friezes from Corneto in the 18th century. Piranesi was a Venetian artist and architect known for his etchings of Roman antiquities, like this one. Here, Piranesi reproduces various friezes, emphasizing their geometric patterns and decorative qualities. Made during the height of the Enlightenment, the print reflects the growing interest in classical antiquity, feeding into the burgeoning field of archaeology. The attention to detail and the systematic arrangement of the friezes also reflect the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. It served as a resource for architects and designers looking to incorporate classical motifs into their own work. The historical context is crucial; this etching is not just a record of ancient art but a product of its own time, shaped by the values and interests of 18th-century society. To fully understand this print, we might consult archaeological reports from that period, along with architectural pattern books and catalogues of antiquities.