Pierre Aveline's copperplate engraving showing the famous Roman-constructed Pont du Gard, an aqueduct near Nimes in southern France.
The aqueduct pictured is one of the most lasting landmarks left in France by the Roman Empire. The aqueduct brought water to the city of Nimes from the Eure springs, but the height difference between these two locations is tiny at 17 meters over a distance of 50 kilometers. This means that the design of the aqueduct bridge required impressive preciseness: it drops only one centimeter over its 187-meter length. This aqueduct allowed for a consistent water supply to be delivered to Nimes, and delivered eight million gallons per day during its use.
The text below the image describes the features of the aqueduct and mentions that people can traverse the bridge on the second row of arches.
Pierre Aveline was one of the foremost view makers of the 18th century. He worked as an engraver, publisher, and printseller who specialized in topographical views, plans, and other geographical representations.