The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XIX. Grand porphyry urn with a lid, found in the Mausoleum of S. ta Elena and currently in the Cloister of St. Thur. Lateran.” is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a prominent figure in the Neoclassicism art movement. The piece belongs to the cityscape genre and is a part of the “Le antichità Romane” series, which focuses on Roman antiquities.
The artwork meticulously depicts a grand porphyry urn, showcasing its elaborate details and the surrounding architectural elements within the Cloister of St. Thur. Lateran. The urn is adorned with intricate carvings and set against a backdrop of classical Roman structures, emphasizing the grandeur and historical significance of ancient Roman art and architecture. The composition is rendered with delicate lines and shading typical of Piranesi’s etching technique, reflecting his deep appreciation for classical antiquities.
