The Arch of Titus.

Etching, 62,5 x 41,5 cm, thick laid paper with watermark (fleur-de-lys, Heawood 1589), signed "Gio. Batta. Piranesi Architetto diseg. e incise" (central vert. fold, sl. affecting image, some sm. brown stains at upper right side of the arch).

The arch of Titus on the left with the relief of the triumph over Jerusalem. It was built in AD 81 at one of the entrances to the Roman Forum to commemorate the capture and destruction of Jerusalem eleven years earlier. Titus, leader of the campaign, ruled as Roman Emperor from AD 79-81. Well-balanced impression of the 1st state (of 5), before rebiting of the arch section.
Ref. Hind 55:1. - Wilton-Ely 185:1.