Various capitals (St. John Lateran, St. Mary in Cosmedin, S. Lorenzo fm etc.) 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this engraving of various capitals. The image depicts architectural fragments from prominent religious sites around 18th-century Rome, such as St. John Lateran, and showcases Piranesi’s meticulous attention to detail. But this image is more than just a record. It shows how the visual codes of classical architecture reinforced cultural hierarchies. In 18th century Europe, classical forms, like the Corinthian and Ionic capitals seen here, were associated with power and authority. By documenting and disseminating these images, Piranesi’s work contributed to the aesthetic values of the Grand Tour, where wealthy Europeans would visit Italy to learn about classical antiquity. To truly understand Piranesi’s work, we can consult archival sources and period treatises on architecture. By engaging with the social and institutional contexts, we recognize how art becomes meaningful in specific historical moments.