Tomb of the three Curiatii brothers in Albano 1748

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching of the Tomb of the three Curiatii brothers in Albano. Piranesi was an artist working in 18th century Italy, during a period when antiquarianism was becoming a widespread cultural phenomenon. This image participates in the artistic rediscovery of classical monuments, and the creation of new institutions such as museums to house them. Piranesi’s printmaking enterprise helped to supply a growing market of collectors and enthusiasts. Look at how the tomb is framed here. What might have been a careful archaeological drawing is instead presented as a picturesque ruin, with the addition of local figures who seem to be using the site to conduct their daily activities. Piranesi seems less concerned with the accurate historical record and more with evoking a sense of the past. We can use historical research to understand the image better; comparing it with other images of the same site, learning about the social history of 18th century Italy, and understanding the institutional context in which Piranesi was working.