Artwork
The Sawhorse
The Sawhorse is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Sawhorse is a print by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, created using a combination of etching, engraving, and other techniques. It is characteristic of his later work, showcasing his technical skill and dramatic use of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a cluttered workshop or studio filled with strange machines and half-built structures. Small figures are dwarfed by the towering forms, creating a sense of drama and mystery in an everyday space.
Technique & Style
Piranesi employed a range of techniques, including etching, engraving, sulphur tint or open bite, and scratching, to achieve a textured, layered effect. The use of scratching and layering creates a rough, uneven atmosphere, adding to the sense of drama and mystery.
History & Provenance
The Sawhorse was published in the 1780s, a period during which Piranesi was producing works that blended architectural precision with atmospheric depth.
Artist & collection
Artist
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…
