Carceri d'Invenzione

Only the mysteries of Goya's and Blake's visions (see lots 942 & 943) have provoked as much interpretation as Piranesi's Carceri d’Invenzione. Even if we can never be certain to approach the true meaning of his artistic inventions, it is worth noting that these looming and fantastical architectures make this set of prints stand apart from Piranesi's main body of work. While many of his printed series are depictions, some even archaeological surveys, of existing buildings, ruins or excavations – with the possible aim of recording the magnificence of Rome's imperial past and argue for the superiority of Roman culture – the purpose of the imaginary, monumental interiors of the Carceri remains a mystery. They certainly are an expression of his architectural interests, which may have been fostered by his father, who was a stone-mason, and show the influence of his early training in stage design with the Galli da Bibiena family in Bologna. The rather theatrical, two-dimensional treatment of the space is certainly reminiscent of a stage backdrop, complete with trompe-l'oeil effects and dramatic lighting. Whatever inspired Piranesi to construct in his mind these haunting, monstrous spaces, they represent an astounding feat of the imagination and occupy a unique position in the history of European art and printmaking.