Marble vase with griffons flanking a candelabrum and two views of a group of three women supporting a vase 1769 - 1778

This print of a marble vase, flanked by griffons, and a group of women supporting a vase, was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century. Piranesi was fascinated by Roman antiquities and his prints reflect a deep engagement with the material culture of the past. Here, the graphic medium is etching, a process involving the biting of lines into a metal plate with acid, which is then inked and printed. The incised lines mimic the texture and form of carved marble, emphasizing its inherent qualities. The vase, ornamented with griffons and foliage, and the figures of women, allude to classical forms. The amount of work involved in the production process, from quarrying the marble to carving the intricate details, speaks to the labor and skill invested in creating such objects. Piranesi's print invites us to consider the social context of these decorative objects and the cultural significance they held in their time, underscoring the dialogue between art, craft, and design.