Pyramid of Cestius

Giovanni Battista Piranesi was an Italian artist famous for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons". The remains of Rome kindled Piranesi's enthusiasm. He was able to faithfully imitate the remains of a piece of fabric by understanding the design of the original architect and improvising the missing parts. By using his masterful engraving skills, he was able to introduce groups of vases, altars and tombs that were absent in reality. His broad and scientific distribution of light and shade completed the picture, creating a striking effect. Some of his later works were completed by his children and several pupils.