Piranesi. The Complete Etchings

Explore the complete etchings of Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the 18th-century engraver famed for his architectural views of Rome and his imaginary prisons. In this edition, you’ll find all the extraordinary detail and fantasy with which Piranesi shaped not only the European image of Italy, but also an impressive artistic legacy, from Edgar Allan Poe to the moving staircases at Hogwarts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 788 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), the renowned 18th-century copper engraver, etched his way into history with his captivating etchings of ancient Rome. His remarkable, chiaroscuro images breathed life into the city's archaeological ruins, infusing them with a dramatic and romantic allure that captured the hearts of Grand Tourists who journeyed to Italy in search of classical culture and education. Today, Piranesi's legacy extends far beyond shaping the European imagination of Rome. His intricate series of fanciful prisons, known as Carceri, have left an indelible mark on the creative world, inspiring generations of artists, writers, and thinkers.

Loosely based on contemporary stage sets rather than the actual dreary dungeons of Piranesi's day, these intricate images defy architectural reality, playing with perspective, lighting, and scale. Staircases exist on two planes simultaneously, vast, vaulted ceilings seem to soar up to the heavens, and interior and exterior distinctions collapse. With a low viewpoint and small, fragile figures, the prison scenes transform into monstrous megacities of incarceration, celebrated as masterworks of existentialist drama to this day.

Piranesi's ability to capture the essence of ancient Rome through his etchings was unparalleled. His attention to detail and his mastery of perspective created a sense of realism that was both captivating and haunting. His images of the city's ruins, temples, and monuments were so vivid that they seemed to come to life, transporting viewers back in time to experience the grandeur and decay of the Roman Empire.

In addition to his architectural etchings, Piranesi was also known for his imaginative and fantastical works. His Carceri series, in particular, showcased his ability to create intricate and surreal landscapes that defied the laws of physics and logic. These prisons, with their winding staircases, vaulted ceilings, and intricate details, were not only visually stunning but also thought-provoking, exploring themes of imprisonment, isolation, and the human condition.

Piranesi's influence on the creative world has been profound. His images have been reproduced in countless books, magazines, and exhibitions, and have inspired countless artists, writers, and architects. His work has been celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, and has challenged the boundaries of what is possible in art and design.

Despite his fame and influence, Piranesi remained a humble and private man. He lived a solitary life, spending much of his time in his studio, creating his etchings and drawings. He rarely socialized with others, and his work was often done in isolation, away from the distractions of the outside world.

In conclusion, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was a true master of his craft. His 18th-century copper engravings of ancient Rome and his intricate series of fanciful prisons, Carceri, have left an indelible mark on the creative world. Piranesi's ability to capture the essence of ancient Rome through his etchings, his imaginative and fantastical works, and his profound influence on the creative world have cemented his place as one of the most celebrated artists of his time. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, reminding us of the power of art to transport us to other worlds and to explore the depths of the human experience.

Weight: 4317g
Dimension: 340 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836587617
Edition number: Multilingual ed