Cover Page. An exhibition of water falls from slabs of marble, and ornaments. 

This etching, by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, depicts an exhibition of waterfalls from slabs of marble, made in Rome in the mid-18th century. It presents a fantastical vision of Roman aqueducts, evoking their structural grandeur while undermining their supposed functionality. The work reflects a growing fascination with antiquity that pervaded artistic and intellectual circles in Europe at this time. Piranesi's composition draws upon both classical architectural styles and contemporary baroque aesthetics, thereby creating a hybrid space where the past is reimagined through a modern lens. Piranesi's emphasis on ruins speaks to the social and political context of the 1700s, when debates about civic virtue were common. Scholars of Piranesi's work often consult primary source materials such as architectural treatises and archeological reports, which help us to better understand his unique blend of historical accuracy and imaginative license. The artwork exemplifies the complex interplay between art, history, and social commentary.