Carceri Collection

Imaginary Prison (engraving) (b / w photo)
ALI156797 Imaginary Prison (engraving) (b/w photo) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); Calcographia dello Stato, Rome, Italy; Alinari

The Drawbridge, 1761 (etching)
1068738 The Drawbridge, 1761 (etching) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); 54.6x40.6 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: Plate seven from the Carceri series. ); gift of Mrs

Imaginary Prison (engraving) (b / w photo)
ALI156798 Imaginary Prison (engraving) (b/w photo) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); Calcographia dello Stato, Rome, Italy; Alinari

The Smoking Fire, c. 1761 (etching)
1066617 The Smoking Fire, c.1761 (etching) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); 53.6x40 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: From the Prisons series.); gift of Mrs. A.E

Set design in the style of Piranesis prison drawings, c. 1800 (pen, ink & wash)
CHT341992 Set design in the style of Piranesis prison drawings, c.1800 (pen, ink & wash) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque de l Opera Garnier, Paris

The Round Tower, c. 1761 (etching)
1068737 The Round Tower, c.1761 (etching) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); 54x41.3 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Invenzioni capric di carceri acqua forte Piranesi
Invenzioni capric di carceri all acqua forte, Piranesi, Giovanni Battista, 1720-1778, burnishing, scratching, black-and-white, ca. 1749-1750

Prisoners Projecting Platform Carceri d invenzione
Artokoloro

Plate from the Carceri d invenzione series, 1761 (etching)
XJF486493 Plate from the Carceri d invenzione series, 1761 (etching) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); Private Collection; Italian, out of copyright

Title page to the Carceri d invenzione series, 1761 (etching)
XJF486491 Title page to the Carceri d invenzione series, 1761 (etching) by Piranesi, Giovanni Battista (1720-78); Private Collection; Italian, out of copyright

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"Exploring the Enigmatic World of Carceri: A Captivating Journey through Imaginary Prisons" Step into a realm where reality blurs and imagination runs wild. The captivating series of etchings, known as "Carceri d'invenzione, " takes us on an extraordinary visual odyssey. Created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1761, these intricate artworks transport viewers to a labyrinthine universe that defies conventional notions of space and architecture. The title plate sets the stage for this enigmatic journey, inviting us to delve into Piranesi's boundless creativity. As we navigate through his imaginary prisons, each etching reveals a unique scene filled with mystery and intrigue. In "The Drawbridge, " we witness a towering structure adorned with intricate details, its imposing presence evoking both awe and trepidation. "The Smoking Fire" transports us to another dimension altogether – billowing smoke engulfs the prison walls while flames dance ominously in the background. This haunting depiction leaves us pondering the stories hidden within these surreal confines. Piranesi's influence extends beyond his own time, as seen in the set design reminiscent of his iconic prison drawings from around 1800. With pen, ink, and wash techniques employed masterfully, this piece pays homage to Piranesi's visionary work while adding its own unique flair. "The Round Tower" captivates with its spiraling staircase seemingly leading nowhere – an architectural marvel that challenges our perception of space and confinement. Its intricacy invites contemplation about the nature of imprisonment itself. Amongst these mesmerizing scenes are glimpses into prisoners' lives – their projecting platforms hint at desperate attempts for escape or connection within their secluded world. These poignant moments captured by Piranesi offer windows into human resilience amidst adversity.