Artwork preview

The Well

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an intricate arrangement of lines and shapes forming an architectural scene with staircases, columns, and arches. It has a labyrinthine structure with elements resembling ancient ruins and industrial mechanisms. The lines create shadows and depth, while rope-like shapes suggest pulley systems. Statues, urns, and figures are dispersed throughout the scene, evoking classical architecture and activity within this environment.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1750/1758
Medium
etching, engraving, scratching, burnishing, and lavis
Dimensions
4597 × 3418 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original