Object Detail
Description
etching, Views of Rome series: Rovine del Sisto, a sia della gran sala delle terme Antoniniane (Ruins of the Xystus, The central hall of the Antonine Baths), 1765 View of ruins depicting a large barrel vaulted arch to the left middle ground. The arch is overgrown with saplings and weeds. The work is framed by foreground coulisses. The dramatic light and shadows cast across the scene define some areas in detail. The scale of the ruins is suggested by the height of the foreground figures. A gentleman is visible in the centre middle ground wearing a hat and cape and he surveys the scene. Other rustic figures of peasants are grouped together in the right foreground around the cartouche. The plate impression is very deep and the work is printed on high quality paper. The watermark is not visible. The frame is modern.
Maker and role
artist: Giovanni Piranesi (Italian, b.1720, d.1778)
Production place
Italy
Production date
circa 1765
Media description
etching on paper, recent frame
Measurements
420 x 650 mm
Inscriptions
Rovine del Sisto, o sia della gran sala / delle terme Antoniniane / Cavalier Piranesi F.
Credit line
Foundation Collection, 1989
Project credit line
This digital record has been made available on TJC Collection Online through a significant donation from the OPENING DOORS fund, the generous support of The Friends of The Johnston Collection, and Digitisation Champion Christine Bell
Accession number
A0163
TJC reference number
186
