Chimneypiece in the Egyptian style: Two mummies in profile on the left and two figures bearing obelisks on the right (Ch. à l'ègyptienne), from Diverse Maniere d'adornare i cammini ed ogni altra parte degli edifizi...(Different Ways of ornamenting chimneypieces and all other parts of houses)
Original title: Chimneypiece in the Egyptian style: Two mummies in profile on the left and two figures brearing obelisks on the right (Ch. à l'ègyptienne), 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
Two mummies in profile and two figures bearing obelisks flank an open fireplace in this etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi from around 1769. It belongs to his series 'Diverse Maniere d'adornare i cammini', which combines Egyptianizing motifs with architectural fantasy and comes from a set of fireplace designs.
Description
On the left are two mummies in profile; on the right, two figures carry obelisks, and the layout is symmetrical. In the middle, a fireplace opens with smoke rising from it. Above it lie two large reliefs with figures and hieroglyphs. Columns and relief panels with hieroglyphs and symbols frame the scene. The print remains monochrome and highly detailed, with evenly distributed light.
Context
European interest in Egyptian culture was growing around the time this work was made, spurred by archaeological discoveries. Piranesi responded to contemporary discussions about fireplace and interior decoration with the 'Diverse Maniere' series. He merged Roman and Egyptian motifs into his own imaginative idiom. This etching was part of a collection of fireplace designs for wealthy patrons.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and the many hieroglyphs give the print a solemn, almost monumental presence. By combining ancient motifs with architectural fantasy, it achieves an air that is both learned and decorative.
Technique
The etching was printed on paper measuring 40 x 54.5 cm; the plate measures 25 x 38.5 cm. Etching allows for fine lines and precise details, so the hieroglyphs and figures stand out clearly. Here Piranesi shows himself as a virtuoso master of printmaking.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)