#Piazza piranesi rome series#

Piranesi’s work as a designer is characterised by a highly imaginative eclecticism of style. The Carceri d’Invenzione – which first appeared in the 1740’s.

#Piazza piranesi rome series#

These architectonic/scenographic concerns found heightened and highly personal expression in Piranesi’s series of fantastic prison interiors. and his training in stage design which cultivated a sensitivity to effects of light and great skill in both linear and atmospheric perspective.his training in engineering and stone construction which helped engender an appreciation of the effects of massive masonry.Two aspects of Piranesi’s Venetian background were key to the enabling of this vision:

His Vedute however, executed from about 1748 until the end of his life transcended mere topographical accuracy and became a heroic and tragic vision to the power of Roman architecture. When Piranesi first arrived in Rome in 1740 there was an already established market for views of the city as Grand Tour souvenirs. This development in his style can be seen in the difference between first and second state impressions of his Careceri d’Invenzione. He returned to his earlier views later in his career adding more cross hatching and darkening the images in keeping with his later Vedute which are much darker. The inking and printing of Piranesi’s earlier work is much lighter than his later style.

See Hind 34 Il Castel dell’ Acqua Marcia and Hind 43 Veduta della Curia Ostilia Some show the early version of the main title, which was changed upon publication. The majority are first states, before the addition of publication lines and prices. Veduta della Piazza della Rotonda- Giovanni Battista Piranesi Prints.Ī particularly rare, early collection of Piranesi’s Vedute di Roma etchings.