Views of Rome: The Pantheon
1761
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1761
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows a grand stone building with a big dome and tall columns. The front has a wide staircase leading up to three deep doorways. People are scattered around the steps, some walking, others standing. The sky above is light and soft, with faint clouds. The words on the front spell out "MAGNAE CUSTODI TVM" — part of a longer Latin phrase. This print was made in 1761 to show Rome’s ancient ruins in a dramatic way. Next, check out Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the artist who made this.
