Cornice and column from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis (Tempio della Fortuna Virile), from 'Le Antichità Romane' 1756

This print of a cornice and column from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, likely in the 1750s, as part of his series "Le Antichità Romane." The composition is structured around detailed architectural elements, dominated by the strong verticality of the column on the left. Piranesi employs meticulous lines to differentiate textures and forms, from the smooth column to the ornate cornice. Note the interplay of light and shadow, achieved through fine hatching, which gives depth to the otherwise flat surface. Piranesi uses the semiotic language of classical architecture to invoke the grandeur of ancient Rome. By isolating and magnifying architectural fragments, he invites us to consider the original context and symbolic weight of each component. This detailed study destabilizes our perception of classical ruins, urging us to reconsider their constituent forms and historical significance.