Artwork preview

The Well

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an architectural scene. The composition depicts a grand, labyrinthine interior space filled with elaborate masonry and towering structures. In the foreground, substantial machinery and scaffolding can be seen. The midground features stairs leading to different levels of the structure, with stone figures and decorative elements. Light and shadow provide depth to the architecture. The drawing captures a complex interplay of structural elements and textures, creating a dramatic atmosphere. This architectural fantasy is reminiscent of the works typical of Giovanni Battista Piranesi, known for his engravings of imaginary prisons and monumental architectural subjects.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1749/1750
Medium
etching, engraving, scratching, burnishing, lavis
Dimensions
4662 × 3450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original