Chimneypiece: Affronted griffons on the lintel and candelabra on the jambs
Original title: Chimneypiece: Affronted griffons on the lintel and candelabra on the jambs (Ch. accompagnée de son plan et décorée d'une frise de griffons), from Diverse Maniere d'adornare i cammini ed ogni altra parte degli edifizi...(Different Ways of ornamenting chimneypieces and all other parts of houses)
kurzbeschreibung
Giovanni Battista Piranesi designed this fireplace surround as an etching for his series 'Diverse Maniere d'adornare i cammini'. Made around 1769, the sheet presents a symmetrical arrangement of griffins, candelabra, and ornamental flourishes.
Description
The layout is strictly symmetrical: on the lintel, two griffins face each other, resting on shields, while the side posts carry candelabra. Smoke rises from the firebox, and columns and further decorative forms frame the center. The image is monochrome and evenly lit, as is typical of a historical print.
Context
This etching belongs to Piranesi's series of fireplace designs published in Rome in 1769. With it, the artist entered the contemporary debate on how ancient ornament should be used in interior architecture. He combined Roman, Egyptian, and Etruscan motifs into new, eclectic assemblies.
Impact
The detailed, almost excessive ornamentation invites the viewer to look closely. The symmetrical arrangement and monumental forms give the design a solemn, ceremonial presence that is characteristic of Piranesi.
Technique
An etching on paper, in which the lines were incised into an etched copper plate. Fine hatching and clear contours render the ornamental details precisely. The sheet measures 41 x 54.5 cm, the plate 24.5 x 38.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)