Another dancer, taken from a painting of ancient Pompeii 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this etching, titled "Another dancer, taken from a painting of ancient Pompeii", sometime in the 18th century. Piranesi wasn’t just making a copy, he was interpreting and framing the ancient world for his contemporaries. The print is part of a larger phenomenon: the rediscovery of Pompeii, which captivated Europe. It fuelled a fascination with classical antiquity, influencing art, architecture, and design. But this wasn't a neutral interest. The art market and cultural institutions were also in their infancy. Piranesi's work contributed to shaping how people understood the past. By presenting this dancer, he invites viewers to imagine the lives and rituals of the people of Pompeii, but he also creates a dialogue between the ancient world and the present. To fully understand Piranesi's print, we can look at archaeological reports from the time, study the history of museums and collections, and explore the artistic trends that shaped his vision.