The Pyramid of Cestius and rhe Aurelian Wall

The poet and novellist Thomas Hardy saw the Pyramid of Cestius during a visit in 1887 and was inspired to write a poem, Rome: At the Pyramid of Cestius near the Graves of Shelley and Keats, in which he wondered: "Who, then was Cestius, / and what is he to me?"

The pyramid was built for Gaius Cestius Epulo in the style of the Nubian pyramids, in around 8-12 BC. The inscription on it mentions that Cestius was a praetor, a tribune of the plebs, and a septemvir of the Epulones. The tomb was completed in 330 days and it was one of two pyramid shaped tombs in Rome.

During the construction of the Aurelian Walls between 271 and 275, the pyramid was incorporated into them to form a triangular bastion. Due to its incorporation into the city's fortifications, it is today one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

It is of brick-faced concrete covered with slabs of white marble standing on a travertine foundation. The pyramid measures 100 Roman feet (29.6 m) square at the base and stands 125 Roman feet (37 m) high.

- Source: Wikipedia

In March of 2025, I sketched the pyramid in situ and took photos for reference, knowing it would make an amazing subject for a painting. I met some lovely local people who watched as I sketched, and seemed to appreciate my work! The city streets, buildings and general area around the pyramid are very beautiful, and I hope to return one day to make further studies for more paintings.

Oils on stetched canvas in a floating ash frame (42.5cm x 32.5cm), ready to hang (4/5). Artwork copyright of the artist, July 2025.