GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI, Italian, 1720-1778
The Arch of Constantine
etching, 1748
Gift of Hugh D. Griffith
of Dr. Philip M. Griffith Estate, 99.6.30

This etching is part of a series of ancient Roman arches considered among Piranesi’s early graphic masterpieces. The once majestic triumphal arch that proclaimed Roman domination is now a crumbling relic of broken columns and lost empire being slowly reclaimed by nature’s overgrowth.

Piranesi created dozens of such picturesque views of Rome. They are highly individualized portraits of classical monuments in various stages of ruin. He used oblique angles of view and theatrical lighting to enhance their drama and emotional impact.

Unlike the reasoned order of popular architectural treatises and pattern books, Piranesi’s pictoral style is highly evocative and thus inspired imaginative interpretations of ancient Roman civilization.

Art McLendon