Who was the real Piranesi?

The real Piranesi was Giovanni Battista Piranesi. He was born in Venice in 1720 and died in Rome in 1778. He was the son of a stone mason and was trained as an architect. After a slow start, he eventually achieved great success as an architect, archaeologist, artist, designer, collector and antiquities dealer. His mission was to glorify the architecture of ancient Rome through his engravings and etchings. His highly dramatized prints often depict imaginary interiors and frequently include figures in mysterious activities that are dwarfed by the magnitude of their monumental surroundings. Piranesi's style greatly influenced the neoclassical art movement of the late 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Giovanni Battista Piranesi art.