The artwork titled “View of the Temple of Fortuna Virile,” crafted by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. It is part of the series “Vedute di Roma.”
This intricate engraving depicts the Temple of Fortuna Virile, portrayed with dramatic illumination and meticulous detailing, emblematic of Piranesi’s style. The temple is shown in a state of ruin, with its classic Roman architecture partially decayed, invoking a sense of grandeur amidst decay. The play of light and shadow, along with the rich texturing of the stone, accentuates the temple’s architectural elegance and historical significance. The surrounding scenery illustrates both the natural and urban environment, populated with small figures that add a sense of scale and life to the composition. The overall atmosphere reflects a profound reverence for the historical and architectural heritage of Rome.