The artwork entitled “The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXXI. Arch of Septimius Severus,” created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756, is an etching originating from Italy. This piece is representative of the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the cityscape genre. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane,” wherein Piranesi meticulously documented various Roman antiquities through his etchings.
Within the artwork, the Arch of Septimius Severus is depicted with remarkable detail and precision. The etching illustrates the grandiosity of the ancient Roman architecture, capturing the monumental arch in a dramatic light. Surrounding the principal structure, one can discern smaller edifices and columns, hinting at the ruins that populate this historical cityscape. The sky above is rendered with intricate lines, adding a sense of depth and atmosphere to the scene. The craftsmanship and meticulous attention to architectural detail in this composition underscore Piranesi’s dedication to documenting and celebrating ancient Roman relics.
