Piranesi's Vedute di Roma (c.1747‐78) are generally interpreted as manifestations of his admiration for Roman architecture. The inconsistency of Piranesi's staffage figures has been problematic, however, especially when they are markedly distorted and off‐balance. This study takes an interdisciplinary approach, suggesting that these staffage figures may reflect a well‐recognised literary tradition that conceived of the ruins of Rome as a metaphor for human mortality and social decay. This literature included texts by canonical authors Spenser and Du Bellay and was cited by Dr Johnson as well as a popular guidebook for travellers making the Grand Tour.