The image features an architectural scene with an ancient stone arch as the focal point. The perspective is straight-on, providing a clear view of the structure's details. The horizon line is not visible. The arch, constructed from large stone blocks, is on the left, leading towards other buildings on the right. The artwork uses intricate etching techniques to depict textures of stone, foliage, and sky. The color palette is monochromatic, with varying shades of black, white, and gray. Figures are seen walking along a path near the arch, emphasizing the scale of the architecture. In the distance, smaller buildings are depicted under a cloudy sky.
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The image features an architectural scene with an ancient stone arch as the focal point. The perspective is straight-on, providing a clear view of the structure's details. The horizon line is not visible. The arch, constructed from large stone blocks, is on the left, leading towards other buildings on the right. The artwork uses intricate etching techniques to depict textures of stone, foliage, and sky. The color palette is monochromatic, with varying shades of black, white, and gray. Figures are seen walking along a path near the arch, emphasizing the scale of the architecture. In the distance, smaller buildings are depicted under a cloudy sky.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Arco di Trajoano in Ancona

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 13.5 x 27.1 cm (5 5/16 x 10 11/16 in.) sheet: 37.5 x 52.8 cm (14 3/4 x 20 13/16 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2002.66.1.30
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
  • 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 125688. 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.