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The image depicts a large amphitheater reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. It is viewed from an elevated angle, showing the circular seating arrangements and inner arena. The etching uses fine lines to detail the stone construction, with an emphasis on archways and the crumbling facade. The color palette is monochromatic, in shades of black and gray. Figures of different sizes are seen near and within the arena, suggesting human activity. The background transitions to open terrain with light strokes.
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The image depicts a large amphitheater reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. It is viewed from an elevated angle, showing the circular seating arrangements and inner arena. The etching uses fine lines to detail the stone construction, with an emphasis on archways and the crumbling facade. The color palette is monochromatic, in shades of black and gray. Figures of different sizes are seen near and within the arena, suggesting human activity. The background transitions to open terrain with light strokes.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Anfiteatro di Verona

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 12.9 x 26.5 cm (5 1/16 x 10 7/16 in.) sheet: 37.6 x 23 cm (14 13/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2002.66.1.26
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
  • Tree
  • 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 125684. 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.