The Sawhorse

published 1749/1750

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Artist, Venetian, 1720 - 1778

The image is an etching depicting an architectural interior with sweeping arches, light and shadow play, and intricate details. The composition features a horizon line, an architectural structure, and a bridge-like element cutting horizontally across the scene. The etched lines create a textured effect reminiscent of aged stone and shadowy spaces. The color palette is monochrome, emphasizing contrast and depth. Figures and architectural details are visible in the foreground, leading to vast, dark arches in the distance with light filtering through openings.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1918

  • Focillon 35.

1922

  • Hind 12.

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

Fleur-de-lis (Robison 5)

Wikidata ID

Q65568941

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