The Grand Piazza

1780s

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Artist, Venetian, 1720 - 1778

The image shows intersecting lines and geometric shapes forming arches and bridges. The curving lines, arches, ropes, and pulleys create an abstract architectural scene. Figures appear small against the structures, suggesting workers or travelers. The detailed strokes and play of light and shadow enhance the grandeur of the architecture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, engraving, sulphur tint or open bite, burnishing [date should be read as "published 1780s"]

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.6990

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Robison 1986, no. 31, State v/vi

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1934

  • Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA, 1934.

1960

  • Gothic to Baroque, Allentown Art Museum, 1960, no. 73.

Bibliography

1918

  • Focillon 27.

1922

  • Hind 4.

1986

  • Robison, Andrew. Piranesi Early Architectural Fantasies: A Catalogue Raisonne of the Etchings. Washington: National Gallery of Art; Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 1986.

Watermarks

BRACCIANO (Robison 59)

Wikidata ID

Q65020177

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