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The "Canopus" of the Villa Adriana at Tivoli

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

This drawing is a view of an interior architecture scene similar to an ancient ruin. It is a large, vaulted space flanked by dilapidated walls. The structure features several arches, with some areas showing signs of decay and vegetation overgrowth. Farther back is an area that seems to open up slightly in the distance. The drawing's technique consists of loose, expressive lines with cross-hatching and shading. The lines are red on beige paper.

Artwork Details

Date
1776
Medium
red chalk over black chalk on heavy laid paper
Dimensions
5118 × 3687 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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