The image shows ancient architectural ruins, likely an archway, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is low, with the arch at the center, surrounded by overgrown foliage and weathered stone surfaces. The artwork features fine lines and cross-hatching to depict texture on the stonework and vegetation, using black and white for contrast and shadow. The arch's detailed relief work is visible up close, while small human figures offer scale, leading the eye to distant structures or trees. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing textures with black ink against a lighter background.
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The image shows ancient architectural ruins, likely an archway, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is low, with the arch at the center, surrounded by overgrown foliage and weathered stone surfaces. The artwork features fine lines and cross-hatching to depict texture on the stonework and vegetation, using black and white for contrast and shadow. The arch's detailed relief work is visible up close, while small human figures offer scale, leading the eye to distant structures or trees. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing textures with black ink against a lighter background.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Arco di Druso

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 13.2 x 27 cm (5 3/16 x 10 5/8 in.) sheet: 37 x 57.8 cm (14 9/16 x 22 3/4 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2002.66.1.8
Credit line
Edward E. MacCrone Fund and the Eugene L. and Marie-Louise Garbáty Fund
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Antichità romane de'tempi della repubblica

Subjects and terms

  • architecture
  • Venetian
  • Ruins
  • plant
  • Figures
Provenance

(sale, Sotheby's London, 21 March 1972, lots 142 and 142, included in a two-volume bound copy of _Le Magnificenze di Roma_); (Herman Shickman Gallery, New York); (sale, Sotheby's New York, 1 November 2001, the volumes broken up and sold as individual sets, this lot 135); (Harris Schrank, New York); purchased 2002 by NGA.

NGA object ID 125666. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.