The artwork, entitled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XVII. Circumference of the earth and plant the previous exterior façade of the mausoleum,” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This piece, an etching, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of design. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
The artwork presents a detailed architectural drawing, including both a top-down and a side view of a structure likely associated with an ancient Roman mausoleum. The top section of the artwork features a circular design labeled “Palmi Romani,” supplemented by measurement indicators. Below it, the main structure comprises a façade with arches and a roof overgrown with vegetation, exemplifying decay over time. To the sides, amphora-like vessels display elements of Roman design. The intricate linework and perspective employed highlight Piranesi’s meticulous attention to architectural detail and reverence for Roman antiquities.
