The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXVIII. Plan, and elevation cross-section of the Tomb of the Scipios” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756 in Italy. This piece, crafted using the etching technique, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of capriccio. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
In this work, Piranesi presents a detailed depiction of the Tomb of the Scipios through both a plan and an elevation cross-section. The etching captures the grandeur of the ancient Roman structure with meticulous attention to architectural detail and rugged landscape. The tomb, perched on elevated ground, is portrayed amidst lush vegetation, conveying a sense of both ruin and reverence. Intricate stonework and overgrown foliage add depth and texture, while the presence of human figures provides scale and a glimpse into the historical context. The overall composition reflects Piranesi’s skill in combining architectural precision with dramatic, almost fantastical elements, characteristic of the Neoclassical capriccio style.
