Chimneypiece: Architrave decorated with a Greek key motif and a circular fireback with figures of the zodiac
Original title: Chimneypiece: Architrave decorated with a Greek key motif and a circular fireback with figures of the zodiac (Ch. décorée d'une grecque), 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
Around 1769, Giovanni Battista Piranesi etched this design for his series 'Diverse Maniere d'adornare i cammini'. It presents a fireplace whose structure centres on a round firedog bearing the signs of the zodiac, framed by a symmetrical architrave zone.
Description
An architrave with a Greek key pattern spans the scene. At its heart lies a circular fire plate encircled by a star, within which the figures of the zodiac are worked in relief. The arrangement remains strictly symmetrical, accompanied by further ornament. The monochrome sheet is defined by precise, detailed linework that draws the eye toward the central star.
Context
This etching belongs to Piranesi's pattern book 'Diverse Maniere', published in Rome around 1769. In it he introduced novel fireplace designs that combined Roman and Egyptian motifs. With this series he entered the contemporary debate on the correct style for interior decoration and supplied architects and patrons with practical models.
Impact
The symmetrical layout and delicate ornament give the sheet a calm, balanced elegance. Because strict architecture meets figurative zodiac signs, the view acquires something mysterious, almost esoteric, that invites close looking.
Technique
Piranesi worked in etching: the drawing is scratched into a wax layer on a copper plate and then bitten with acid. Fine lines and hatching produce high detail and a decorative effect. The sheet is printed on laid paper; it measures 45 x 54 cm (sheet) and 24.7 x 39 cm (plate).
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)