The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXXIII. Insight into the tomb of Alexander Severus” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1756 in Italy. This etching, which belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement, falls within the design genre and is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork is a detailed etching depicting the intricately carved marble tomb of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus and his mother, Julia Mamaea. The upper portion shows the reclining figures of Alexander and Julia, symbolizing their eternal rest. Below them, a frieze of classically styled figures, likely representing mythological or historical scenes, encircles the tomb. The figures are rendered with extraordinary precision and fluidity, showcasing Piranesi’s masterful ability to capture the essence of ancient Roman sculpture and architecture. The background features extensive Latin inscriptions, providing context and details about the tomb. The entire composition is bordered by a meticulously engraved frame, typical of Piranesi’s dedication to architectural accuracy and historical fidelity.
