Rovine d' antichi Edifizj

published 1743/1744

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Artist, Venetian, 1720 - 1778

The image shows an architectural scene with ancient ruins viewed from a slightly elevated angle. The ruins consist of crumbling stone blocks and a detailed frieze depicting human figures. A figure with a walking stick stands amongst the broken stones. More ruined structures are visible in the background, some with vegetation growing on them. The etching features intricate brushstrokes and detailed line work, creating texture in the stones and foliage. The color palette is monochrome, using shades of black and white to enhance contrast and convey the ancient appearance of the ruins.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, engraving, drypoint, scratching

  • Credit Line

    Andrew W. Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 36.1 x 23.6 cm (14 3/16 x 9 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1978.97.10

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Robison 1986, no. 4, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

n.d.

  • Focillon and Hind, n.d.: not known to be a separate plate.

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.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Gio. Batta. Piranesi Arch.o inv. ed incise in Roma

Wikidata ID

Q65568962

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