The Lion Bas-Reliefs

Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published 1761

This is a drawing of a complex architectural scene. The artwork depicts a network of arches and vaults within a structure resembling ancient Roman ruins. There are heavy chains and pulleys woven through the space, alongside statue-like figures and carved reliefs integrated into the architecture. A lion is prominently depicted in the foreground. The composition is densely packed with textures and shadowed lines, emphasizing the monumental scale and intricate details. The linework and interpretation of space invoke a sense of wonder and grandeur.
Artist
Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Date
published 1761
Type
Print
Medium
etching and engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
76.7 × 53.6 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a drawing of a complex architectural scene. The artwork depicts a network of arches and vaults within a structure resembling ancient Roman ruins. There are heavy chains and pulleys woven through the space, alongside statue-like figures and carved reliefs integrated into the architecture. A lion is prominently depicted in the foreground. The composition is densely packed with textures and shadowed lines, emphasizing the monumental scale and intricate details. The linework and interpretation of space invoke a sense of wonder and grandeur.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi