The Roman antiquities, t. 4, Plate XI. View of the underground foundation of the Mausoleum of Adrian`s helium. 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching, "View of the underground foundation of the Mausoleum of Adrian’s helium," using a technique that emphasizes stark contrasts of light and shadow. The composition is dominated by the strong, curved lines of the mausoleum's foundation, which create a powerful sense of depth and enclosure. Piranesi uses the contrast between the rough texture of the ancient stones and the smooth, geometric precision of the architectural design to highlight the tension between nature and order. The dark voids and the play of light across the surfaces add to the overall feeling of mystery. Piranesi's focus on the underground foundation evokes ideas about the hidden structures that support power and history. The semiotic weight of the architectural forms suggests themes of decay and the impermanence of human achievements. The etching is not merely a depiction of a ruin but a commentary on the cultural codes embedded in architecture. Notice how the formal elements contribute to a discourse on history, power, and the enduring legacy of Roman civilization.