← Giovanni Battista Piranesi

The Triumphal Arch, from "Grotteschi" (Grotesques)

Original title: The Triumphal Arch, from "Grotteschi" (Grotesques)

Artist

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date

ca. 1748

Medium

Etching, engraving, drypoint, burnishing; first state of five (Robison)

Dimensions

Sheet: 19 1/2 x 25 7/16 in. (49.5 x 64.6 cm) Plate: 15 3/8 x 21 5/16 in. (39 x 54.2 cm)

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1937

kurzbeschreibung

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this etching, The Triumphal Arch, around 1748 as part of his Grotteschi series. The print combines motifs of a triumphal arch with an abundance of ornament. It is executed as an etching, supplemented by engraving, drypoint, and burnishing.

Description

On the right, a figure in ancient Roman dress stands on a raised platform, holding a shield or banner. To the left, a sphinx's head rests on a pedestal. Between and around them, architectural fragments crowd together: columns, arches, capitals. Flowers, tendrils, and plant forms cover the surface as lush decoration. Another triumphal arch, flanked by groups of figures, closes off the space at the back.

Context

During his early years in Rome, Piranesi devoted himself thoroughly to ancient architecture and ornament. The Grotteschi arose alongside his vedute as fantastic-decorative compositions. Rediscovered Roman grotesque painting through excavations shaped this series.

Impact

The dense clustering of architecture and ornament creates a dreamlike, oppressively fascinating space. The monumental fragments feel heavy and threatening. Delicate plant motifs set against this a contrast of fragile elegance.

Technique

Etching with additional engraving, drypoint, and burnishing. This process allows fine lines and soft tonal values that precisely reproduce the ornamental richness and the effects of light and shadow. The present impression is the first of five documented states.

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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)