Artwork preview

The Skeletons

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a group of curving and jagged lines that intersect, creating an abstract composition resembling a craggy landscape. Among the forms are elements reminiscent of natural scenes like trees and rocks. Some shapes resemble water, foliage, and figures. The lines convey motion and texture, suggesting natural forces at play in the depiction.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1750/1759
Medium
etching, engraving, drypoint, burnishing
Dimensions
4840 × 3501 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original