“The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XX. Ponte Rotto,” is an etching created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756 in Italy. This artwork, representative of the Neoclassicism art movement, belongs to the cityscape genre and is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork portrays a detailed and grand depiction of the ancient ruins of Ponte Rotto, a Roman bridge. The intricate etching technique used by Piranesi masterfully captures the texture and grandeur of the historical structure. The bridge’s stone arches dominate the composition, with minute details accentuating the weathered stones and the surrounding scenery. In the background, one can observe the remnants of the ancient cityscape, casting a sense of historical richness and architectural grandeur. The precision in the lines and the attention to architectural elements reflect Piranesi’s profound admiration for Roman antiquities and his expertise in documenting classical ruins.
