This painting is a caprice, but the composition is broadly based on a straightforward view of the scene recorded in a rectangular drawing by or connected to Canaletto. At the left and centre is a large ruined building based on the Basilica of Constantine. In the distance a portion of building recalling the Colosseum is visible, and at the right part of the façade and the campanile of S. Francesca Romana.To the broadly accurate chief elements of topography have been added the urn at the extreme left of the composition and the pyramidal tomb or monument with the man perched on it. The relation of the façade and campanile of S. Francesca Romana has also been capriciously altered.

The painting is in less good condition than usual with Canaletto, and was cleaned in 1964. Prior to 1964 the picture was attributed to Marco Ricci, whose influence can be felt in the caprice elements. The painting is not easy to date but may be loosely linked to Canaletto's contributions to the 'Tombs' series of c. 1726.