Luigi Rossini

Veduta Generale Dei Gran Colossi sul Monte Quirinale

View of the Quirinal Hill in Rome with the fountain of the horse tamers at left, from "Le Antichita di Roma"

Luigi Rossini (1790–1857) was an Italian engraver and architect, renowned for his detailed etchings of ancient Roman architecture and ruins. He is often compared to his predecessor, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, due to his ability to capture the grandeur and decay of classical architecture in Rome. Rossini’s works, primarily created in the first half of the 19th century, are celebrated for their technical skill, clarity, and the way they evoke a sense of nostalgia for the splendor of ancient Rome.

Born in Ravenna, Italy, Rossini studied architecture at the Academy of Bologna, where he developed his technical expertise and fascination with classical forms. His engravings typically depict famous Roman landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and various triumphal arches. These works often feature dramatic compositions, highlighting the scale and majesty of the ruins juxtaposed against the natural landscape and human figures