Who painted The "Well," for Violators of State Law?

The "Well," for Violators of State Law was painted by Giovanni De Pian in 1797.

Where can I see The "Well," for Violators of State Law?

The "Well," for Violators of State Law is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The "Well," for Violators of State Law?

The "Well," for Violators of State Law is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The "Well," for Violators of State Law?

Museum-quality prints of The "Well," for Violators of State Law are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The "Well," for Violators of State Law

Giovanni De Pian , 1797

The "Well," for Violators of State Law is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni De Pian. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in plate, below image, at left: Gallimberti del.; in plate, below image, at right: de Pian incise; lower center in plate: Pozzo primo sotto l'ultima scala, ove s'impritionavano li delinquenti per materia di Stato / No. 3; Piedi 3 Veneti; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 582; by later hand in graphite, upper left verso: 3 [in circle]; by later hand in graphite, upper right verso: Pian (De) Gio; C34

About this work

Overview

The 'Well,' for Violators of State Law is a somber etching and aquatint print created by Giovanni De Pian in 1797, currently housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dismal prison cell with three figures in various states of distress: one near death on the floor, another standing with a torch pointing at a crumbling wall, and a third slumped in the corner, face hidden. The scene conveys overwhelming hopelessness and despair, highlighting the harsh treatment of those who violated state laws.

Technique & Style

De Pian employed expressive shading through etching and aquatint to achieve a dark, heavy atmosphere, emphasizing the bleakness of the prison environment and the plight of its occupants.

History & Provenance

Created in 1797, the work is now part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., though specific details of its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided here.