View of the Interior of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, within the Baths of Diocletian 1776

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this print, View of the Interior of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, within the Baths of Diocletian, using etching techniques. At first glance, the composition pulls you into the vastness of the architectural space, enhanced by the contrast between the dark, intricate detailing and the airy, light-filled openings. The artist manipulates perspective to amplify the grandeur of the church. Piranesi masterfully uses line and shadow to define the architectural elements, creating a play between depth and surface. The figures scattered throughout the scene emphasize the scale of the interior, serving as signifiers of human presence within this monumental space. This work can be seen through the lens of structuralism. Piranesi creates a visual language that reflects the cultural codes of his time, where the power of the church and the echoes of ancient Rome converge. The meticulous detail challenges fixed meanings of architectural representation and engages with new ways of perceiving space. The strategic use of light and shadow is not merely aesthetic; it functions as a cultural commentary, inviting continuous interpretation of power and representation.