An Ancient Forum with Porticos

1742/1743

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Artist, Venetian, 1720 - 1778

This is a drawing of an ornate architectural structure. The image shows a complex and grandiose building featuring multiple arches, columns, and detailed ornamentation. The structure is depicted from an angle, revealing its facade adorned with sculptures and statues. The composition shows tiered steps and detailed perspectives emphasizing the scale and intricacy of the design. The use of lines and shading creates depth in this elaborate architectural depiction.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with gray wash over black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 13.5 x 21.5 cm (5 5/16 x 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.69.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Sotheby's, London, 18 April 1994, no. 98, as Roman School); (Hugh Pagan Ltd., London); purchased 1998 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 20049877

Wikidata ID

Q64572354

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