Marble vase 1769 - 1778

This print of a marble vase was made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, sometime in the 18th century. Piranesi was a key figure in the Roman art world, and this print gives us an insight into the aesthetics of the era. The image displays a vase that seems to draw on the classical forms of the ancient world. The vase is covered in ornamentation, from flowers to birds, alluding to the natural world, a key feature of much classical art. In eighteenth century Europe, classical art became a symbol of power and authority, and Piranesi was canny enough to understand this trend. Prints like this one were collected by wealthy individuals and institutions, helping to shape taste and influence artistic production. To fully understand this print, we must consider the economic and cultural conditions that shaped its creation, and the institutions that have preserved it over time. By consulting historical archives and collections, we can learn more about the social and political context in which this image was made and consumed.