Who painted Title Plate?

Title Plate was painted by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 1750.

Where can I see Title Plate?

Title Plate is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Title Plate?

Title Plate is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Title Plate?

Museum-quality prints of Title Plate are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Title Plate

Giovanni Battista Piranesi , 1750

Title Plate is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1750, the work titled Title Plate is a print that combines etching, engraving, and a sulphur tint, or open bite, technique. It depicts a stone slab affixed to a wall, bound by a rope, with a seated figure atop it, and bears an Italian inscription that functions as a dedication or memorial.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on a stone plate, suggesting a commemorative or ceremonial purpose. The presence of a rope and a figure perched on the slab emphasizes its physicality, while the Italian text invites viewers to consider the inscription’s content as a marker of memory or honor within a classical context.

Technique & Style

Piranesi employed a blend of etching and engraving, enriching the line work with a sulphur tint that creates subtle tonal variations. This method, sometimes described as an open bite, yields a textured surface and a sense of depth, aligning the piece with the intricate, dramatic aesthetics characteristic of late Baroque printmaking.

History & Provenance

The print originates from Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an 18th‑century Venetian scholar known for his architectural studies and imaginative series such as Carceri d’invenzione. While the plate’s specific ownership trail is not detailed, it forms part of Piranesi’s broader oeuvre that documented classical motifs through meticulous print techniques.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Giovanni Battista (or Giambattista) Piranesi (Italian pronunciation:; also known as simply Piranesi; 4 October 1720 – 9 November 1778) was an Italian classical archaeologist, architect, and artist, famous for his…