Inscriptions from the Sepulchral Chambers of the Family of Augustus - Giovanni Battista Piranesi

A detailed etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi documenting funerary inscriptions from the tomb of the household of Augustus.

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi documents the epigraphic evidence found within the columbaria associated with the household of Augustus. As part of his broader project to record the architectural and material culture of ancient Rome, Piranesi meticulously transcribed these funerary inscriptions. The plate presents a systematic arrangement of rectangular tablets, each containing the names and roles of freedmen and enslaved individuals who served the imperial family.

The composition reflects the rigorous approach Piranesi applied to his archaeological studies. By isolating these inscriptions from their physical context, he allows the viewer to focus on the Latin text and the social hierarchy revealed through the nomenclature. The work serves as a record of the individuals who occupied the lower rungs of the Roman imperial administration, providing a glimpse into the lives of those often omitted from grand historical narratives.

Piranesi employs precise line work to convey the texture of the stone tablets, creating a sense of order and clarity. The etching captures the varied states of preservation of the original markers, with some appearing pristine and others showing signs of erosion or damage. This print is an example of the artist's dedication to preserving the physical remnants of antiquity through the medium of printmaking. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in Roman epigraphy and the history of classical archaeology.