About the artist
well known 18th-century printmaker, Piranesi, who always perceived himself as an architect, held an audacious ambition: to create grand designs, even an entire universe if tasked with it. Born to a stonemason father and a master builder, his engineering skills were refined by an uncle employed at Venetian waterworks, while his Carthusian monk brother stoked his fascination for Roman antiquity. Despite his lack of success in securing architectural projects, his eclectic training paved the way for his distinguished career. After relocating to Rome in 1740, Piranesi briefly studied under Giuseppe Vasi, mastering etching and using it to express his myriad interests. His etchings, ranging from imaginary architectural structures to meticulous recreations of Roman aqueducts, showcased his understanding of ancient building techniques, helping him gain recognition as an antiquarian.
