Artwork

The Monumental Tablet

The Monumental Tablet, by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, ink, 1754
The Monumental Tablet, by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, ink, 1754

The Monumental Tablet is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Monumental Tablet is a print created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1754, combining etching, engraving, drypoint, and scratching techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a fantastical scene of ruins, featuring broken columns and abstract shapes, accompanied by small figures and intricate details, suggesting a complex, symbolic narrative rather than a realistic representation.

Technique & Style

Piranesi employed a range of techniques, including etching, engraving, drypoint, and scratching, to achieve a dense, atmospheric composition characterized by jagged lines and deep shadows, creating a sense of depth and visual tension.

Context

As an artist with a background in classical archaeology and architecture, Piranesi drew on his expertise to create inventive, imaginative scenes that conveyed broader ideas and emotions rather than simply documenting real places.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Artist

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Giovanni Battista (or Giambattista) Piranesi (Italian pronunciation: ; also known as simply Piranesi; 4 October 1720 – 9 November 1778) was an Italian classical archaeologist, architect, and artist, famous for his…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.