Piranesi | |
|---|---|
 Self-portrait, 1779 | |
| Born | 4 October 1720 |
| Died | 9 November 1778 (aged 58) |
| Education | Matteo Lucchesi |
| Known for | Etching |
| Notable work | Le Carceri d'Invenzione and etchings of Rome |
| Movement | Neoclassicism |
Giovanni Battista (or Giambattista) Piranesi (Italian pronunciation: [dʒoˈvanni batˈtista piraˈneːzi; -eːsi]; also known as simply Piranesi; 4 October 1720 – 9 November 1778) was an Italian classical archaeologist, architect, and artist, famous for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons" (Carceri d'invenzione). He was the father of Francesco Piranesi, Laura Piranesi and Pietro Piranesi.