“Plan of the tomb of Mamia and outbuildings, in Pompeii,” created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, is an exemplary piece from the Neoclassicism art movement. Classified under the genre of cityscape, the artwork presents a detailed architectural drawing, portraying elevation and sectional views with precision characteristic of Piranesi’s work.
The artwork meticulously illustrates the structural design and spatial layout of the tomb of Mamia and its associated buildings in Pompeii. Featuring classical elements, the drawing employs a balanced composition with two prominent vertical sections, both crowned with statues. The engraving showcases the architectural finesse of the period, highlighting columns, entablatures, and arches with meticulous detail. Lines and shading are used effectively to convey depth and texture, offering a refined portrayal of ancient Roman architecture. The inclusion of measurement scales and annotations reflects the artist’s scholarly approach, merging artistic beauty with archaeological accuracy.
