Statue of Minerva, 1748
Etchingexpand_more
The Minnich Collection The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund, 1966expand_more P.17,304
Not on Viewexpand_more
Piranesi’s views of Rome seem to document the city, but they distort reality for expressive purposes. This opening image for the series makes clear that for Piranesi, Rome’s ruins were fuel for dreams and fantasies. Here Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom and the arts, presides amid tumbledown splendor. At the upper left, Hercules, symbol of strength, has turned away from this place.
With Piranesi’s help, we can recreate in our minds the lost grandeur of this mighty imperial capital. Our hearts might beat faster before this imagined glory, yet we may also mourn its passing as we follow Piranesi’s ramble through the wreckage.
Details
- Title
- Statue of Minerva
- Artist Life
- Italian, 1720–1778
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.17,304
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hind 002
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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