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The Lion Bas-Reliefs

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a complex architectural scene. The artwork depicts a network of arches and vaults within a structure resembling ancient Roman ruins. There are heavy chains and pulleys woven through the space, alongside statue-like figures and carved reliefs integrated into the architecture. A lion is prominently depicted in the foreground. The composition is densely packed with textures and shadowed lines, emphasizing the monumental scale and intricate details. The linework and interpretation of space invoke a sense of wonder and grandeur.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1761
Medium
etching and engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
5559 × 7566 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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