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The image shows an ancient architectural ruin with a dominating arch and intricate details. More structures are visible in the background, continuing the historic setting. The artistic style features detailed etching lines and a monochromatic palette. Small figures and sections of the ruin suggest scale and add life to the scene. The overall visual impact is dramatic and atmospheric, capturing the beauty of the ancient monument against the urban environment.
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The image shows an ancient architectural ruin with a dominating arch and intricate details. More structures are visible in the background, continuing the historic setting. The artistic style features detailed etching lines and a monochromatic palette. Small figures and sections of the ruin suggest scale and add life to the scene. The overall visual impact is dramatic and atmospheric, capturing the beauty of the ancient monument against the urban environment.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Arco di Rimino fabbricato da Augusto

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 13.6 x 27.2 cm (5 3/8 x 10 11/16 in.) sheet: 37.8 x 52.8 cm (14 7/8 x 20 13/16 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2002.66.1.18
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
  • City
  • Building
  • 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 125676. 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.