Two ornamental marble friezes and six fragments (Aldobrandini and Villa Albani) 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created these ornamental marble friezes in the 18th century, capturing a moment of renewed interest in classical antiquity. Piranesi, working amidst the burgeoning field of archaeology, here presents a visual compendium of ancient Roman decorative arts. At the time, the rediscovery of Roman art and architecture had sparked a widespread fascination, especially among European elites eager to connect with their historical roots. We see a celebration of classical motifs: the griffin, the acanthus leaves, and the stylized rosettes. These were more than just decorative elements; they carried connotations of power, refinement, and cultural legacy. Piranesi, through his detailed engravings, doesn't merely document these fragments. He elevates them, prompting viewers to consider the aesthetic values and social structures of ancient Rome. These fragments stand as testaments to a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on how societies construct their identities through art and architecture. They also invite us to consider how the past is constantly reinterpreted and repurposed to serve the present.