Fireplace: two sides of the well-head lion paws of a lion in a rich wing 

This print, titled "Fireplace: two sides of the well-head lion paws of a lion in a rich wing" was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century. Piranesi was an Italian artist, architect, and printmaker, known for his etchings of Roman architecture. Here, Piranesi imagines an elaborate fireplace design adorned with lion paws and classical motifs. Consider the culture of 18th-century Europe, steeped in classicism, where the grandeur of ancient Rome was idealised. Piranesi's detailed engravings fueled the desire for ornate, classical designs among the wealthy. But there's also a tension here. Piranesi was invested in the monumental, awe-inspiring aspects of Roman architecture. His work isn't just about replicating classical forms. It is also about evoking a sense of the sublime. Think about the emotional impact of such a structure within a domestic space. How does the symbolic weight of these classical images shape one's sense of self and status?