Piranesi and the Arts

CaixaForum Madrid (Spain) presents an exhibition of one of the most important illustrators of the 18th century. Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was one of the most important draftsmen of the 18th century. Like no-one else he cultivated the three dimensions and detail in the engraving. The technique, intensity and evocative power of his work had a great influence on Romantics, Surrealists and Cubists.

”la Caixa” Welfare Projects is bringing to Spain for the first time this comprehensive major exhibition of Piranesi’s work. It does so through new and innovatory ways of observing the engraving which enable visitors to broaden and enrich their vision of the works with pieces that come to life.

The exhibition invites the spectators on a journey through Piranesi’s career with over 300 original engravings. Combined with a complementary selection of photographs, figures and audiovisuals, they introduce the general public to the work of this Italian master.

The exhibition has reproductions in different materials of Roman pieces of furniture and ornaments from his Antichità Romane series, a gripping audiovisual that endows his Gaols of the imagination with a disturbing depth and dimension, and contemporary photographs by G. Basilico for his collection of engravings of Views of Rome. Comparisons that will enable the spectators to discover the three dimensions, perspective and detail of Piranesi’s engravings.

Date: from 25 April to 9 September 2012.
Location: Caixaforum Madrid, Paseo del Prado, 36. 28014 Madrid. Spain.
Opening hours: from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.

Enjoy more works by Piranesi in our Great Masters section