Few engravings in the Views of Rome series appear without “veduta” in the title: the Arch of Septimius Severus is one such rare engraving. Other prints of this type include the Theater of Marcellus, Pyramid of Caius Cestius, and Tomb of Cecilia Metella, which were all sites of keen archeological interest to Piranesi. Indeed, the artist produced multiple architectural studies of these monuments across the volumes of the Opere. The annotations in the key, below the image of the Arch, reconstruct the ancient topography of the Roman forum by listing the original name, location, and purpose of each building. For example, Piranesi notes that the Arch was used for triumphal processions to the Capitoline Hill and that “above the Mamertine Prison, where Paul and Peter were placed, the church of San Giuseppe was erected.” In this way, Piranesi provides viewers with an archeological and historically accurate map rather than a more traditional “view.” These non-views are indeed more similar in style and purpose to the architectural reconstructions and composite images in the Roman Antiquities. Building on Zarucchi’s argument that the “veduta” and “altra veduta” are two distinct types of images, it is worth considering that this ‘non veduta’ group of prints should be understood as a third category within the Views.

Another unique aspect of this engraving is the fact that a modern building, the Accademia di San Luca, is depicted with the same attention and grandeur as the ancient monuments that surround it. Piranesi notes in the key that the Academy was designed by the renowned architect, Pietro da Cortona, adding to the building’s prestige. The church itself, taking up the entire right side of the composition, is depicted in full splendor: every curve of the undulating Baroque façade, dome, and lantern is etched with precision and depth. The shading and lighting effects on the Academy, as well as its position on the middle plane, provide a visual foil to the ancient column on the left as if to imply that they stand on equal ground. But why should Piranesi grant a modern building such pride of place? Piranesi was in fact a member of the prestigious Academy, along with the most important artists of the day. Many of them, including Piranesi, actively participated in the preservation and restoration of ancient Roman artifacts and in archaeological excavations, often sponsored through ties to the Academy. By making a visual homage to his professional and intellectual home, Piranesi legitimizes the activities of the Academy, but also, by extension, his own pursuits as an architect, antiquarian, and printer.

To see this image in Vedute di Roma, vol 17 of Piranesi's Opere, click here.