Venetian architect Piranesi
"Part of a spacious and magnificent Harbor for the use of the ancient Romans opening onto a large market square..." ca. 1749–50

Piranesi wrote that his observations of the vast remaining piles of marble and the immense spaces once occupied by ancient buildings had filled his spirit with magnificent images. Since he despaired of anyone financing such grand structures, he had decided to share his visions through means of prints. The combination of buildings illustrated in this etching could never actually be built. In the inscription plate which Piranesi added to the second state of the print, many of the features of the port are explained, such as the rostral columns that commemorate naval victories, and the altar to Neptune, from which clouds of incense issue ceaselessly. The idea of landing at such a splendid port is thrilling, although it would be nicer if Piranesi hadn't informed us that the liquid pouring from the lions' head spouts is sewage.

high quality