Giovanni Battista Piranesi
, Italian, 1720-1778
Title
Dimostrazioni dell'Emissario del Lago AlbanoDate1762
MediumEtching
Dimensions
Sheet: 43.2 x 62.8 cm
Plate: 41.3 x 61.1 cm
Credit LinePresented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014
Object numberNGI.2014.158
DescriptionPiranesi is known for his depictions of ancient Roman architecture. The Roman emissary, or artificial channel, seen here was constructed in the fourth century BC to drain Lake Albano when its water levels rose too high. While the drain appears monumental, in reality it was only two metres high and a little more than a metre wide. Piranesi often used fanciful architectural proportions to create an increased sense of grandeur and drama.