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This drawing shows an architectural interior with arches and staircases. The composition highlights a complex structure with vaulted arches, heavy stonework, and intersecting stairways. Large vertical structures create grandeur, while cross-hatching and shading emphasize the stone and beams' texture. The drawing evokes mystery and complexity, with light and shadow adding to the dramatic atmosphere.
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This drawing shows an architectural interior with arches and staircases. The composition highlights a complex structure with vaulted arches, heavy stonework, and intersecting stairways. Large vertical structures create grandeur, while cross-hatching and shading emphasize the stone and beams' texture. The drawing evokes mystery and complexity, with light and shadow adding to the dramatic atmosphere.

National Gallery of Art · Print

An Imaginary Prison

Vincenzo Mazzi

Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 27.5 x 21.8 cm (10 13/16 x 8 9/16 in.) sheet: 27.8 x 22.2 cm (10 15/16 x 8 3/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2005.63.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1701 to 1725
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • etching
  • architecture
  • Castle
  • Building
Provenance

(David Tunick, Inc., New York); purchased 2005 by NGA.

Inscription

by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Vincenzo Mazzi / OT/HLMI.; lower left in plate: Vincenzo Mazzi inve. del & incis

NGA object ID 131903. 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.