The artwork, titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate XXVIII. Stones, sarcophagi and other objects found in burial chambers above,” is a meticulous etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the design genre. It is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
In this artwork, Piranesi intricately depicts various artifacts associated with Roman burial practices. Central to the composition are elaborately designed sarcophagi, adorned with ornate patterns, sculpted lions, and human figures. Surrounding these primary objects, additional elements such as urns, plaques, and fragments of sculptures create a detailed study of Roman funerary art. The etching showcases Piranesi’s adeptness in capturing the grandeur and intricacy of ancient Roman relics, rendered with meticulous precision and a keen eye for architectural detail.
