Piranesi
History and Theory II
26th November 2012
Module 5047AR 26 November 2012 History and Theory II
Giovanni Battista Piranesi and his writings exerted a huge influence on many contemporary and later designers and architects. Briefly outline Piranesi’s main works and account for the effect they had on others.
‘I need to produce great ideas, and I believe that if I were commissioned to design a new universe, I would me mad enough to undertake it.’ [1] Giovanni Battista Piranesi is one of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century. Renowned for his highly developed etching technique Piranesi’s diverse handicraft is designing fantastic complexes of buildings that could only exist in dreams, to reconstructing in meticulous detail the adequate system of the ancient Romans. Born (1720-1778) Italian draftsman, printmaker, architect and art theorist, Piranesi contributed considerably to the neoclassical movement in art and to Rome’s fame. Piranesi moved to Rome in 1745 where he studied under Giuseppe Vasi, who introduced him to etching and engraving. It was this technique and the visual diversity of the city architecture that inspired him to create such dynamic prints. Piranesi’s knowledge of ancient building methods allowed him to make a name for himself as an antiquarian, which showed earlier views of Roman landmarks. His enthusiasm for Roman remains and his engraving talent meant he was successfully able to etch the original architecture, providing the missing pieces, completing the picture. His exploration of the possibilities in perspective and special illusion pushed the art of etching and though his lifetime he produced about 2000 plates.
Piranesi’s main prints are of classical and post-classical Roman structures; he first published a series of 135 drawings of views of Rome (Vedute di Roma). This series of etchings he produced from the prospect around him was his first main success in Rome. The
26th November 2012
Module 5047AR 26 November 2012 History and Theory II
Giovanni Battista Piranesi and his writings exerted a huge influence on many contemporary and later designers and architects. Briefly outline Piranesi’s main works and account for the effect they had on others.
‘I need to produce great ideas, and I believe that if I were commissioned to design a new universe, I would me mad enough to undertake it.’ [1] Giovanni Battista Piranesi is one of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century. Renowned for his highly developed etching technique Piranesi’s diverse handicraft is designing fantastic complexes of buildings that could only exist in dreams, to reconstructing in meticulous detail the adequate system of the ancient Romans. Born (1720-1778) Italian draftsman, printmaker, architect and art theorist, Piranesi contributed considerably to the neoclassical movement in art and to Rome’s fame. Piranesi moved to Rome in 1745 where he studied under Giuseppe Vasi, who introduced him to etching and engraving. It was this technique and the visual diversity of the city architecture that inspired him to create such dynamic prints. Piranesi’s knowledge of ancient building methods allowed him to make a name for himself as an antiquarian, which showed earlier views of Roman landmarks. His enthusiasm for Roman remains and his engraving talent meant he was successfully able to etch the original architecture, providing the missing pieces, completing the picture. His exploration of the possibilities in perspective and special illusion pushed the art of etching and though his lifetime he produced about 2000 plates.
Piranesi’s main prints are of classical and post-classical Roman structures; he first published a series of 135 drawings of views of Rome (Vedute di Roma). This series of etchings he produced from the prospect around him was his first main success in Rome. The