Sublime Ideas: Drawings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

About this book

A beautifully rendered book that is the most important study of Piranesis drawings to appear in more than a generation. In a letter written near the end of his life Giovanni Battista Piranesi (172078) explained that he left his native Venice because no patrons were willing to support "the sublimity of his ideas." Residing in Rome he became internationally famous as a printmaker and designer among other numerous pursuits. While Piranesis notoriety stems from his etchings he was also an accomplished draftsman who first developed much of his work in drawings. Sublime Ideas is the most comprehensive updated study of Piranesis drawings with over two hundred illustrations offering insight into his life and creative endeavors. Coinciding with the Morgans Spring 2023 exhibition Sublime Ideas diligently surveys the artists enduring work as an artistic force.