The artwork, titled “The Roman antiquities, t. 4, Plate XVIII. Inscriptions in Bridge of Four Heads,” is an etching created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of design. This etching is part of the series “Le antichità Romane.”
In the artwork, Piranesi meticulously depicts both a perspective view and detailed architectural elements of the Bridge of Four Heads. The top half of the etching presents a scenic view of the bridge with its distinct arches spanning a body of water, with inscriptions visible on them. The lower half of the piece illustrates the architectural and structural details, including cross-sections and dimensions of various components of the bridge. The inclusion of detailed measurements and structural breakdowns showcases Piranesi’s dedication to precision and his deep interest in Roman architecture. The background scenery portrays a blend of ruins and buildings, emphasizing the historical context of the bridge.
