Artwork preview

Grottesco with the Tomb of Nero

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a drawing from an elevated angle, focusing on classical architectural details. The piece features an ornate structure with inscriptions and decorations, obscured by swirling forms. An urn on a column is visible on the right. The artist uses diverse brushstrokes to depict light and shadow, with a color palette of gray and sepia tones. The foreground includes small figures engaged in activities, while the background fades into a blur.

Artwork Details

Date
1747
Medium
pen and gray-brown ink over red chalk, tip of the brush with gray ink, gray wash
Dimensions
5768 × 7264 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original