Giovanni Battista Piranesi Italian architect Date of Birth: 04.10.1720 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Education
2. Engraving Techniques in Rome
3. Establishing Himself in Rome
4. The Grotesques and Imaginary Prisons
5. Piranesi's Views of Rome
6. Temples of Paestum and Late Architecture
7. Architectural Legacy

Early Life and Education

Giovanni Battista Piranesi was born on October 4, 1720, in Mogliano, near Mestre, Italy. He initially studied with his father, a stonemason, his uncle, an engineer and architect, and other local masters in Venice.

Engraving Techniques in Rome

From 1740 to 1744, Piranesi traveled to Rome to study engraving under Giuseppe Vasi and Felice Polanzani. In 1743, he published his first series of prints, "La parte prima di Architetture e Prospettive."

Establishing Himself in Rome

After a brief return to Venice, Piranesi permanently settled in Rome in 1745. By the end of his life, he had become one of the city's most renowned citizens.

The Grotesques and Imaginary Prisons

Piranesi's early success came with the creation of four large prints known as "The Grotesques" (1745) and a series of fourteen plates titled "Imaginary Prisons" (1745; 1761). These works showcased his artistic brilliance and the Venetian tradition of engraving.

Piranesi's Views of Rome

In the late 1740s, Piranesi embarked on his most famous series of prints, "Views of Rome." He published multiple volumes of meticulously researched and reconstructed views of nearly all the significant structures in Rome and its surroundings.

Temples of Paestum and Late Architecture

Towards the end of his life, Piranesi documented and engraved the Temples of Paestum. These works were published posthumously by his son Francesco. His primary architectural work was the rebuilding of the church of Santa Maria Aventina (1764-1765).

Architectural Legacy

Piranesi's contributions to architecture are evident in his influential reconstruction and reinterpretation of Roman ruins. His work continues to inspire architects and artists to this day.