The Arch of Septimus Severus

Luigi Rossini trained as an architect in Bologna before moving to Rome in 1813, where he had more success as an artist. Following in the footsteps of Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Rossini began a series of etchings of Rome’s constructed marvels. His extensive knowledge of structural design proved valuable for his accurate, detailed portrayals of sites such as the antique arch of Septimus Severus. Whereas Piranesi tended to exaggerate his scenes, Rossini remained grounded in his realistic representations. Because Rossini’s depictions are so precise, his prints serve as important records of Rome’s architectural heritage.