In the 1760s a tremendous role in the popularization of Ancient Roman works of architecture was played by Piranesi, who painstakingly reproduced in whole series of engravings reproduced authentic edifices and also presented grand architectural fantasies that combined the opulence of the Baroque with the austere motifs of Roman buildings. The celebrated Prisons series was the culmination of Piranesi's early architectural fantasies. Drawing on his thorough study of Roman architecture, he produced imaginary compositions all linked a single gloomy theme. Catacombs, arches, chains and huge grilles put one in mind of a gigantic sets for some Romantic spectacle and anticipate the European obsession with the horrors of the Gothic novel that came into fashion towards the end of the century.