Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Giovanni Battista Piranesi was an Italian artist born on October 4, 1720, in Mogliano Veneto, near Treviso. He is renowned for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons" (Carceri d'invenzione), which are considered masterpieces of the Romantic movement. Piranesi's work had a profound impact on the development of Romanticism, particularly through his dramatic and imaginative architectural fantasies that influenced both contemporary and later artists and architects. He moved to Rome in 1740, where he studied under Giuseppe Vasi and developed a deep fascination with the city's ancient ruins, which became a central theme in his work. Piranesi's prolific output and innovative techniques in etching contributed significantly to the revival of interest in classical antiquity during the 18th century. He passed away on November 9, 1778, in Rome, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.