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The image shows the ancient Colosseum. It is depicted from an angled, slightly downward perspective, showcasing its multi-tiered structure. The architecture is rendered with intricate line work, capturing the texture of the stone. The color palette is monochromatic, highlighting the contrasts between light and shadow. Vegetation and ruins surround the base of the Colosseum. In the distance stands a smaller architectural structure, possibly an arch, with trees further back adding depth to the composition.
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The image shows the ancient Colosseum. It is depicted from an angled, slightly downward perspective, showcasing its multi-tiered structure. The architecture is rendered with intricate line work, capturing the texture of the stone. The color palette is monochromatic, highlighting the contrasts between light and shadow. Vegetation and ruins surround the base of the Colosseum. In the distance stands a smaller architectural structure, possibly an arch, with trees further back adding depth to the composition.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Anfiteatro Flavio detto il Colosseo

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 13.3 x 27.2 cm (5 1/4 x 10 11/16 in.) sheet: 37.4 x 52.6 cm (14 3/4 x 20 11/16 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2002.66.1.12
Credit line
Edward E. MacCrone Fund and the Eugene L. and Marie-Louise Garbáty Fund
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
Antichità romane de'tempi della repubblica

Subjects and terms

  • architecture
  • Venetian
  • Ruins
  • Landscape
  • Writing
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 125670. 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.