The Giant Wheel - Carceri Plate IX

Article description

Original etching, published after 1761 in the 2nd Rome edition of the Piranesi's series,Carceri'. Plate: IX A prison door, surmounted by a colossal wheel-shaped opening, crossed beams. The,Carceri d'invenzione' or,Imaginary Prisons', is a series of 16 prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi depicting enormous subterranean vaults with staircases and powerful machines. This series was published in 1761, all etchings were numbered I to XVI. The artwork The Large Wheel is one of the most iconic prints from Giovanni Battista Piranesi's Carceri d'Invenzione (Prisons of the Imagination) series. The scene depicts a colossal, labyrinthine architecture dominated by a massive machine with an enormous wheel. The wheel seems to symbolize inevitability, surrounded by heavy chains and beams that create a dark, foreboding atmosphere. The composition is marked by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, as well as dizzying perspectives that heighten the monumental and claustrophobic quality of the scene. The distorted geometry, floating staircases, and mysterious figures amplify the surreal and oppressive mood of the imaginary prison landscape. With this work, Piranesi presents a visionary, almost dreamlike depiction of space that is both technically masterful and emotionally profound. A beautifully rendered imaginary scene in a very good impression with contrast and depth. Printed on Roman laid paper, no visible watermark. The plate was published as usual folded, with a centre-fold. The old centre fold here flattened and splits in the centre-fold skillfully restored. As requested for the 2nd state in the upper right corner with the engraved Roman number: IX and below in the lower left corner: Piranesi f.

Hind 56 State: 2 of 3