The artwork, titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XIV. View of a tomb outside Porta del Popolo on the ancient Via Cassia called by the vulgar: the tomb of Nero,” was crafted by the artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This piece is an etching, belonging to the Neoclassicism art movement, and falls under the genre of capriccio. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane,” reflecting Piranesi’s fascination with the grandeur of Roman antiquities.
The artwork depicts a monumental tomb situated on the ancient Via Cassia just outside Porta del Popolo, which the common people referred to as the tomb of Nero. The structure stands prominently against a backdrop of dramatic skies, lush vegetation, and classical ruins. Intricate carvings and decorative elements adorn the tomb, including a detailed inscription and sculpted figures that evoke a sense of historical reverence and classical artistry. At the base of the tomb, several human figures are engaged in various activities, adding a sense of scale and daily life to the grandiose monument above. The etching demonstrates high craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Piranesi’s works.
