![]() This little church, owned by the Knights of Malta, is the only building Piranesi worked on as an architect. Classical, in this case, refers to the art and architecture of ancient Rome, and 'neo' means new, so Neoclassicism is about a new appreciation for things that look Roman. Piranesi died in 1778 and was buried in his beloved Rome, at Santa Maria del Priorato. Piranesi was part of the Neoclassical movement in European art. Interestingly, his lesser-known works of “imaginary prisons” went on to inspire Surrealism and the work of M.C. Piranesi’s work was particularly suited to his time: his romantic etchings of Rome became a favorite of the Grand Tour set, and helped fuel the Neoclassicism art movement. ![]() His view of the Pyramid of Cestius (top of this post) is perhaps my favorite, since I have a deep affection for it since it backs on the cemetery where my father is buried. Peter’s Square, with the embracing Bernini Colonnade Of course, he captured some romantic views of the Roman Forum. He captured the sweeping grandeur of the Colosseum. Interior of the Pantheon, by Piranesi (wouldn’t it be lovely if the crowds today were this small?) The inside view of the Pantheon, however, shows it as beautiful as ever. An abbreviated description of Piranesis career would categorize him as an artist who worked primarily through etchings and engravings, however a broader. The Pantheon, with the short-lived “ass’s ears” The complex appropriation of Piranesi by modern literature, photography, art, film, and architecture.The etchings of the Italian printmaker, architect, and a. For example, his view of the Pantheon captures that magnificent building at a time when it was not quite so magnificent: when the awkward twin bell towers were installed (fortunately, they were pulled down shortly afterwards). His many vedute (views) of Rome are both beautiful as art, but also preserve a snapshot of Rome in his time. Installed in Palazzo Venezia, then the Venetian embassy, he became enamored of Rome and set out to capture it in his detailed and emotive etchings. He was born near Venice but came to Rome as a young man to serve as a draughtsman for the Venetian ambassador. ![]() Piranesi was the son of a stonemason and nephew of the architect and engineer Matteo Lucchesi. Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 – 1778) left the world an amazing legacy of etchings of the Eternal City.
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