Fireplace with a frieze of griffins; hips candlestick 

This etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a master of architectural fantasy, depicts a grand fireplace adorned with intricate details. The frieze above the mantel is populated with a series of griffins, mythical creatures that symbolize strength and vigilance. The fireplace's design, with its elaborate ornamentation and dramatic rendering of fire, showcases Piranesi's fascination with the classical world and its artistic legacy. Piranesi's work, often characterized by its meticulous detail and dramatic perspective, aimed to revive interest in Roman architecture and inspire contemporary architects. This etching exemplifies his unique style and provides a glimpse into the world of 18th-century architectural design.