Sublime Ideas: Giovanni Battista Piranesi

A stunning publication that accompanies an exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum showcases the work of Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778). It is the most important study of Piranesi drawings in over a generation, featuring over 100 drawings, including architectural caprices, print studies, decorative object sketches, figural drawings, and views of Rome and Pompeii. The book offers a comprehensive survey of Piranesi's work as a draftsman, discussing his drawings in public and private collections worldwide and placing his newly discovered cache in Karlsruhe in context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This magnificent publication accompanies an exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum showcasing the remarkable work of Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778). It stands as the most significant exploration of Piranesi's drawings in over a generation. In a letter penned near the end of his life, Giovanni Battista Piranesi confided to his sister that he had chosen to reside away from his native Venice due to a lack of patrons who were willing to embrace the "sublimity of my ideas." Instead, he found refuge in Rome, where he achieved international acclaim as a printmaker, designer, architect, archaeologist, theorist, dealer, and polemicist. While Piranesi's enduring fame is primarily attributed to his etchings, it is important to recognize that he was also an accomplished, versatile, and passionate draftsman. A significant portion of his artistic output was initially conceived through vigorous drawings.

The Morgan Library & Museum boasts an unparalleled collection of over 100 drawings by Piranesi, encompassing a diverse range of artistic endeavors. These include early architectural caprices, studies for prints, measured design drawings, sketches for various decorative objects, figural drawings, and breathtaking views of Rome and Pompeii. These works form the heart of this publication, which will be released in conjunction with the Morgan's upcoming Spring 2023 exhibition of Piranesi drawings.

However, this publication goes beyond being merely an exhibition catalogue or a study of the Morgan's Piranesi holdings. It serves as a comprehensive monograph that provides a thorough survey of Piranesi's entire body of work as a draftsman. The book delves into the global presence of Piranesi's drawings, with a particular focus on the substantial surviving groups found in New York, Berlin, Hamburg, and London. It also contextualizes the remarkable newly discovered cache of Piranesi material in Karlsruhe, shedding light on its significance and impact.

Through extensive research and analysis, this publication offers a deep understanding of Piranesi's artistic journey and the profound impact he had on the world of art. It explores his techniques, influences, and the themes that resonated throughout his oeuvre. The book also provides a detailed examination of his architectural designs, archaeological discoveries, and theoretical writings, shedding light on his intellectual pursuits and the broader cultural context in which he operated.

In conclusion, this publication is a testament to the enduring legacy of Giovanni Battista Piranesi as a draftsman and artist. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of his creative output. By presenting a comprehensive survey of his work as a draftsman, this book offers a fresh perspective on Piranesi's artistic genius and his profound contribution to the world of art.

Weight: 1280g
Dimension: 248 x 289 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645380