Two marble friezes, one with griffons and the other with a putto amid swags of fruit 1769 - 1778

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, created between 1769 and 1778, depicts two marble friezes. The upper frieze features three griffons, each with outstretched wings and holding a vase. The lower frieze shows a putto, or winged cherub, amidst swags of fruit, ribbons, and foliage. The intricate detail and dramatic perspective of Piranesi's work is typical of his architectural engravings, which were highly influential in the Neoclassical movement. This particular etching is from his series "Diverse maniere d'adornare i camini ed altre cose con ornamenti antichi" ("Various ways to adorn fireplaces and other things with ancient ornaments"). The etching is currently part of the collection of the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst.