The artwork titled “View of the Flavian Amphitheatre, called the Coliseum (a bird)” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an eminent artist from the Neoclassicism art movement. This piece is a part of the “Vedute di Roma” series and belongs to the genre of veduta, which focuses on detailed, scenic depictions of cityscapes.
The artwork vividly presents a bird’s-eye view of the Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known as the Coliseum, capturing its majestic and architectural grandeur. The intricate detailing showcases the multiple layers and the massive stone structure of the ancient amphitheatre, revealing the various arches and corridors within. The arena within is depicted in a state of serene antiquity with a few scattered human figures that emphasize its vast scale. The perspective chosen by the artist allows the viewer to appreciate the Coliseum’s monumental scale and structural complexity, embodying the Neoclassical emphasis on clarity, order, and classical antiquity.
