View of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Campo Vaccino 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this print of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Campo Vaccino, Rome. The image shows the temple as a ruin in the 18th century. The temple was built in 141 AD, then converted into a church in the 11th century. Piranesi shows how the classical and Christian eras were layered on top of each other, which was a common theme in his work. Piranesi was fascinated by the grandeur of ancient Rome, and his prints reflect a broader cultural interest in classical antiquity. The prints played a crucial role in shaping European perceptions of Rome, and helped to fuel the Neoclassical movement in art and architecture. If you're interested in learning more, you might look into the history of archaeology in Rome. The Campo Vaccino, now known as the Roman Forum, was a site of great interest to archaeologists and historians. Understanding this history helps us to understand Piranesi's work in a richer way.