The artwork titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XLV. Cross-section of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius” is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and is categorized under design genre. It is part of the “Le antichità Romane” series.
The artwork meticulously presents a cross-section of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius. Executed with precise etching techniques, it reflects Piranesi’s attention to architectural details. The cross-section reveals the inner structure and chambers of the pyramid, with annotated sections highlighting the specific architectural elements. The upper portion includes inscriptions and detailed descriptions in Latin, lending scholarly weight and historical context to the piece. The overall composition effectively demonstrates Piranesi’s commitment to documenting and preserving Roman antiquities, aligning with the principles of Neoclassicism in its celebration of classical architecture and technique.