46 Giacomo Lauro (1584–1645) – Roma Vetus ut Nova Aedificia... from Antiquae Urbis Splendor – Engraving (1641)

This elaborate composition by Giacomo Lauro is a visual and textual celebration of Ancient and Modern Rome, featured as part of his monumental series Antiquae Urbis Splendor, published in 1641. At the center is a Latin inscription enumerating Rome’s great monuments—from temples, baths, and basilicas to triumphal arches and imperial ceremonies. Surrounding it are allegorical and historical scenes depicting triumphs, sacrifices, battles, and personifications of Rome’s glory across the ages. Each scene is titled in Latin, including episodes such as Terrestis Pugna Victoria, Traianus inter iudices clarus, and Curtius in Patriam amor, merging antiquarian fascination with moral instruction.