Vazen, kandelaars, grafstenen, sarcofagen, tripods, lampen en ornamenten ontworpen en gegraveerd door Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Medium
etching
Dimensions
434; 680
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
ets
Art Historical Context
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the renowned 18th-century artist and architect, created this intricate etching in 1778 as part of his seminal publication *Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi,erne, ed ornamenti*. The title translates to "V, candelabras,estones, sarcophagi tripods, lamps, ornaments," showcasing a meticulous catalog of ancient Roman-inspired designs. Measuring 680mm by 434mm, this large-scale print exemplifies Piranesi's passion for classical antiquity during the Enlightenment era, when European intellectuals and Grand Tour travelers avidly collected and studied Roman artifacts. Piranesi, often called the "Rembrandt of architecture," blended meticulous archaeological accuracy with imaginative flair in his Neo-Classical vedute (topographical views) and ornamental series. This work draws from real excavated objects in Roman tombs and villas, reimagined as functional designs for contemporary use—furniture, lighting, and memorials. It reflects the era's neoclassical revival, influencing architects like Robert Adam and fueling the taste for "antique" luxury among the elite. Etched with extraordinary precision on a copper plate, Piranesi's technique captures the weathered textures of marble, bronze, and stone through dense cross-hatching and dramatic shading. Discerning visitors will appreciate how these designs bridge history and artistry, offering a window into Rome's enduring legacy.
About the Artist
Giovanni Battista Piranesi · 1720–1778
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778) was an Italian printmaker, architect, and antiquarian whose visionary etchings of Rome and imaginary prisons revolutionized architectural representation and profoundly influenced both Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Piranesi stands as one of the most important printmakers of the eighteenth century, fundamentally shaping European perceptions of ancient Rome an...