Picturing Places and Spaces

This towering aqueduct, an example of Roman hydraulic engineering, would have been an interesting stop for travelers exploring the city. Luigi Rossini included this engraving in his series, The Rome of Antiquity, comprised of one hundred views of ancient Rome. Like Piranesi, Rossini studied architecture but is best known for prints depicting famous views of Rome, most often architectural scenes. This aqueduct was constructed mostly of concrete and dates after 64 ce during the reign of Nero. Later renovations were made with brick-faced concrete during the early third century ce. Rossini's view draws upon an earlier image of Nero's aqueduct designed by Piranesi for his series, Views of Rome, executed between 1775 and 1778. In the text box at the bottom of his print, Piranesi recorded: "Remains of the Aqueduct of Nero which were to be destroyed on account of their age but remained standing by order of Pope Clement XIV [pope from 1769-1774]."

Rossini emphasizes the massive size of the arched aqueduct by cropping the top of the structure in the upper right corner. It dominates the foreground but then quickly disappears off the left side of the print. There is a sense of stillness in this scene with only a few figures included. In the lower right corner, light coming through the first arch draws attention to three women and a child who may be locals who have gathered to chat. Further away, two men with top hats and portfolios under their arms converse with another figure in a dark cloak while several others slowly make their way into the distance.