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The Giant Wheel, from Carceri d invenzioni (Imaginary Prisons), ca. 1749-50
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The Giant Wheel, from Carceri d invenzioni (Imaginary Prisons), ca. 1749-50
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 20568603
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Bouchard Bouchard Giovanni Carceri Dinvenzione Doorway Giant Giovanni Giovanni Battista Giovanni Battista Piranesi Giovanni Bouchard Imaginary Prisons Ital Large Piranesi Piranesi Giovanni Battista Prison Treadmill Wheel
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This print showcases "The Giant Wheel" from Giovanni Battista Piranesi's renowned series, Carceri d'invenzioni (Imaginary Prisons), created around 1749-50. The image takes us back to the 18th century, immersing us in a world of architectural brilliance and conceptual intrigue. In this etching, we are transported into an imaginary prison where the grandeur of Roman architecture meets the dark depths of human confinement. The colossal wheel dominates the scene, evoking a sense of both awe and foreboding. Its intricate design suggests a mechanical contraption that could either be a punishment device or a means of transportation within this enigmatic prison world. As we peer through the doorway in the background, our curiosity is piqued by glimpses of people moving about inside. Are they prisoners trapped within these walls? Or are they guards overseeing their captives? The ambiguity adds to the mysterious allure of this artwork. Piranesi's masterful engraving technique brings every detail to life, capturing not only the physicality but also the essence of this imaginary realm. Through his skillful use of light and shadow, he creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously haunting and mesmerizing. Displayed against a white backdrop, this monochromatic masterpiece invites contemplation on themes such as law, crime, and imprisonment throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder that even within its confines, architecture can inspire wonderment while reflecting upon society's
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