The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XLI. Registration of the Mausoleum of Caius Cestius,” created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, is an etching representative of the Neoclassicism art movement. Classified under the genre of design, this etching is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork intricately details a segment of the Mausoleum of Caius Cestius, showcasing Piranesi’s masterful command of etching techniques. The composition prominently features ancient Roman inscriptions meticulously carved into stone blocks, emphasizing the grandeur and historical significance of Roman monumental architecture. The precision of the lines captures the texture and dimensionality of the stone, highlighting the artist’s dedication to historical accuracy and architectural detail. This piece serves as both an artistic and scholarly documentation of Roman antiquities, reflecting the Neoclassical fascination with the classical past.
