The Sawhorse, between 1749 and 1750. Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi

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The Sawhorse, between 1749 and 1750. Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi

The Sawhorse, between 1749 and 1750. Series: Invenzioni Capric di Carceri; Edition: first

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Media ID 36373449

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Giovanni Battista Piranesi Imprisoned Imprisonment Penitentiary Piranesi Giovanni Battista Printworks Prison Punishing Punishment Tools

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "The Sawhorse," is a masterpiece by the renowned Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, created between 1749 and 1750. It is part of Piranesi's iconic series, "Le Carceri d'Invenzione," or "Imaginary Prisons." This first edition print is a testament to Piranesi's innovative use of etching techniques, including sulphur tint and scratching, resulting in an intricately detailed, contrasting image. The Sawhorse presents a haunting scene of a solitary figure, chained to a sawhorse, surrounded by a desolate, dark landscape. The sawhorse, a common tool used in carpentry, is here transformed into an instrument of punishment, its purpose twisted into one of confinement and subjugation. The figure's expression is one of despair and resignation, as he looks off into the distance, seemingly lost in thought. The print's title, "The Sawhorse," is a nod to the tool that dominates the scene, but it also alludes to the larger theme of imprisonment and the sawing away of one's freedom. Piranesi's "Le Carceri d'Invenzione" series is a conceptual exploration of the penal system, the human condition, and the relationship between power and punishment. This evocative print is now part of the prestigious collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where it continues to inspire and intrigue visitors from around the world. The Sawhorse serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of art to provoke thought and emotion.

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