The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate L. Plan and construction details of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella” is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This piece falls within the Neoclassicism movement and belongs to the design genre. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane,” which captures the architectural grandeur of ancient Rome.
The artwork meticulously illustrates the architectural plan and construction details of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. It features a detailed overhead plan of the circular structure, section views, and construction elements, emphasizing the building’s classical design and structural intricacies. The etching showcases different segments of the mausoleum, labelled systematically with letters, demonstrating Piranesi’s dedication to precision and historical accuracy. The combination of plan diagrams, elevation views, and cross-sectional details creates a comprehensive visual guide to the engineering and artistic aspects of this ancient Roman edifice.