The Tomb of Nero, from the series “Grotteschi”

Artist: Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Italian, 1720–1778
Date: c.1747, published 1750
Material: Etching, engraving, and drypoint
Classification: Prints
Collection: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: plate: 15 1/2 x 21 5/8 in. (39.4 x 54.9 cm)
sheet: 20 1/4 x 28 3/8 in. (51.4 x 72.1 cm)
Credit Line: Director's Discretionary Fund, and funds given by Brian Catlin, Loring Catlin, Leigh French, and Doris Yates
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 25:2008

NOTES

Fanciful images evoke the mystery and exoticism of antiquity in this confusing assemblage of ancient Roman architectural elements, serpents, plants and artists' materials. Although his prints are based on knowledge of the classical world, Piranesi's creations do not attempt to recall a visit to Rome, but only exist as works of art.

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