Piranesi

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-78) is one of the most significant artists of 18th-century Rome, whose works brought him fame even during his own lifetime. He trained as an architect, but is most famous for the graphic prints that have fascinated people for centuries.

This book, published to accompany SMK’s exhibition Piranesi – Vision and Veracity, explores the power of his art to fascinate viewers. Thanks to his supreme mastery of graphic techniques, Piranesi was able to create detailed and impressive visual universes in which it is impossible not to lose oneself. The ruins of antiquity are a favoured motif in his mission to show the Rome of the past as the zenith of civilisation, creativity and innovation.

Piranesi’s goal was not, however, solely to depict reality as he saw it. He infused his images with impressive, dramatic elements, radically manipulating their perspectives. The resulting works convince as both visions and veracity.