The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXV. Santo Stefano Rotondo” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756 in Italy. Rendered using the etching technique, the piece belongs to the Neoclassicism movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. This particular artwork is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork depicts an interior view of the ancient church Santo Stefano Rotondo. Dominated by a sequence of robust columns, the composition captures the architectural grandeur of the space, emphasizing the circular layout and the interplay of light and shadow within the structure. The meticulous detailing typical of Piranesi’s etchings is evident, showcasing both the architectural elements and the human figures inhabiting the space. The overall scene conveys a sense of reverence and awe towards the ancient Roman architectural heritage.
