The artwork, “The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXVIII. ‘Baths of Titus’ (really the Baths of Traianus),” is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, dating to 1756 in Italy. This piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the cityscape genre, being part of the “Le antichità Romane” series. The etching vividly represents the ruins of the ancient Roman baths, which are misattributed in the title but are in fact the Baths of Trajan, showcasing the grandeur and decay of classical antiquity.
In the artwork, Piranesi illustrates a sprawling scene of ancient ruins, with several architectural structures partially standing amidst a landscape of overgrown vegetation and scattered remains. The meticulous detailing in the etching captures the textures of the ruins, foliage, and terrain, creating a sense of depth and historical authenticity. Different sections of the baths, denoted by letters, are intricately depicted, demonstrating Piranesi’s dedication to architectural accuracy and his fascination with Roman antiquity. Figures of people are minuscule in comparison to the grand structures, emphasizing the monumental scale of the ancient baths.
