Artwork preview

Arco di Pola in Istria

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

National Gallery of Art

The image is an etching of a ruinous arch, slightly off-center, with intricate line work to depict its structure. The horizon is above the arch, showing vegetation and rugged terrain in the distance. The etching displays textures representing flora and stone, with shadows and depth created by dense hatching. The sky is light with airy cross-hatching. The color palette is black on off-white paper. Foliage and rough ground are detailed near the arch, and ancient stonework and rocky formations extend into the landscape beyond.

Artwork Details

Date
1748
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
5108 × 2539 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original