The Smoking Fire, from "Carceri d'invenzione" (Imaginary Prisons) 1744 - 1755

"The Smoking Fire," from the series "Carceri d'invenzione" (Imaginary Prisons) (1744-1755) by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is an etching that depicts a complex and claustrophobic architectural space. The composition, characterized by intricate arches and multiple levels, creates a sense of overwhelming scale and grandeur. Piranesi's masterful use of line and shadow evokes a haunting atmosphere, suggesting both beauty and potential danger. The series "Imaginary Prisons" is known for its evocative depiction of vast, imagined spaces, often filled with architectural elements that seem to defy gravity and logic, suggesting a world of dreams and illusions.