Stage Design, Temples on Riverside
early 19th century
Medium
theater
Classification
theater
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-235
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the renowned 18th-century Italian artist1720–1778), was a master of dramatic architectural visions, famous for his intricate etchings of Roman ruins fantastical prisons. Though dated to the early 19th centurylikely a posthumous work or design from his circle—"Stage Design, Temples Riverside" captures his signature style of grand, evocative scenery. This theatrical blueprint depicts ancient temples lining a serene riverside, blending real and imagined architecture to create an immersive, otherworldly stage. As a theater medium, the design exemplifies Piranesi's infl...