The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXV. Nero’s aqueduct” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756 in Italy. This etching is part of the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. It is one of the plates in the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork meticulously depicts the ruins of an ancient Roman structure, specifically Nero’s aqueduct, showcasing detailed arches, engravings, and the pervasive nature reclaiming the man-made structures. The etching style highlights the textures and contrasts of the rugged stone surfaces against the softer surrounding foliage and sky. In the foreground, various architectural elements, including carved stones and arches, are prominent, emphasizing Piranesi’s focus on historical accuracy and architectural detail. The sky, rendered with careful line work, adds depth and atmosphere to the scene, further enhancing the grandeur and historical significance of the ancient ruins. The inscriptions provide additional context and annotation to the viewer, detailing the various components and historical references in the scene.
