The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XIV 1756

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching, titled "The Roman Antiquities," as part of a series that documented the architectural ruins of Rome. Living in the 18th century, Piranesi was captivated by the grandeur of the Roman Empire, and these prints reflect a fascination with its fallen glory. In this print, Piranesi presents the Temple of Juturna, partially buried beneath the modern city. What stories could these stones tell, if they could speak? This piece emphasizes the passage of time and the transience of human achievement. The ruins serve as a reminder of the inevitable decay of civilizations, and the constant layering of history. Consider the tension between the beauty of the architectural forms and the pathos of their state. Piranesi invites us to contemplate the weight of history, and the relationship between past and present. He once said, "I need to produce great ideas, and I believe that if I were commissioned to design a new universe, I would be mad enough to undertake it."