Church of St. Costanza, Rome: An 18th Century Architectural Etching by Giovanni Piranesi, 1774

Description

This is a framed 18th century Giovanni Battista Piranesi etching entitled: "Veduta interna del Sepocro di Santa Costanza, fabbricato da … more This is a framed 18th century Giovanni Battista Piranesi etching entitled: "Veduta interna del Sepocro di Santa Costanza, fabbricato da Costantino Magno, ed erroneamente detto il Tempio di Bacco, inoggi Chiesa della medesima Santa" (View of the interior of the Tomb of St. Costanza, built by Constantine the Great, and erroneously called the Temple of Bacchus, now the Church of S. Costanza), which is plate 25 from Piranesi's "Vedute di Roma" (Views of Rome), part I. This Piranesi etching depicts the interior of the ancient Roman mausoleum of Santa Costanza, located in Rome, Italy. It showcases Piranesi's technical skill in capturing the intricate details of the architecture and the play of light and shadow within the space. The composition is organized around the central dome of the mausoleum, which dominates the image and creates a sense of grandeur and awe. The walls of the mausoleum are covered with intricate patterns and decorations, including frescoes and marble reliefs, which are also meticulously rendered by Piranesi. The figures in the etching, including a priest and several visitors, provide a sense of scale and perspective, further emphasizing the monumentality of the space. Piranesi was known for his fascination with the ruins of ancient Rome, and his etchings often served as a way to document and celebrate these historical treasures. "Veduta interna del Sepolcro di Santa Costanza" is a beautiful example of Piranesi's mastery of etching and his ability to capture the grandeur and beauty of ancient Roman architecture.
This 18th century Piranesi etching is presented on an antiqued silver-colored wood frame with a light tan mat and a thin black inner mat trim. The frame measures 27" high, 32" wide and 1.5" deep. There is a vertical center fold, as issued. The print is in very good condition. less