Prisoners on a projecting platform 1748 - 1749

"Prisoners on a projecting platform" is an etching by the Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, created between 1748-1749. This print is part of his renowned series "Carceri d'Invenzione" (Imaginary Prisons), a collection of architectural fantasies that combine elements of Roman ruins and prison cells to create a haunting and oppressive atmosphere. The etching depicts a complex and seemingly impossible structure, with arches, bridges, and platforms interconnecting in a labyrinthine fashion. The figures within the prison appear small and insignificant, emphasizing the overwhelming scale and weight of the prison's design. The use of dramatic chiaroscuro highlights the darkness and shadows of the prison, creating a sense of claustrophobia and despair. Piranesi's etching is a powerful example of the sublime, a style of art that sought to evoke awe and terror in equal measure.