18th Century
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was a prolific Italian engraver best known for his detailed and atmospheric depictions of Rome. Trajan’s Column is an engraving from one of his most popular series, the Vedute di Roma or Views of Rome, in which the artist depicts many important monuments and ruins of Roman antiquity.
In this scene, Piranesi depicts the East side of the Column of Trajan with meticulous detail and dramatic lighting. He presents the full column, from its inscribed base and stairwell entrance, to the statue of Saint Peter at the top. In his etching, the Column rises above the town and surrounding buildings, dramatically placed in contrast with debris, other ruins, and miniscule figures that appreciate it from below.