Grotto of Pausillipo

Francesco Piranesi, Louis Jean Desprez, 1768 - 1804

The grotto of Pausillipo was a tunnel built during the 1st century BC as a passageway between Naples and Pozzuoli. Still in use in the 18th century, it was a major attraction for travellers and artists. Desprez brought out the best in its eerie ambience. The flickering torchlights reveal its high vaulted ceiling, inhabited by nocturnal birds, while the figures are dwarfed by the colossal architecture.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-1968-19
  • Dimensionsheight 690 mm x width 470 mm
  • Physical characteristicslijnets, met de hand gekleurd in waterverf en gouache

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Grotto of Pausillipo

  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-P-1968-19

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • collector's mark: Lugt 2760
    • collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Creation

  • Creation

    • printmaker: Francesco Piranesi
    • colorer (graphic design artist): Louis Jean Desprez
    • after drawing by Louis Jean Desprez

  • Dating

    1768 - 1804

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    lijnets, met de hand gekleurd in waterverf en gouache

  • Dimensions

    height 690 mm x width 470 mm

This work is about

  • Subject

  • Place

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Purchased with the support of the F.G. Waller-Fonds

  • Acquisition

    purchase 1968

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Documentation

Persistent URL

Questions?

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