For the Love of the Master, 25 artists fascinated by Piranesi

Conceived to commemorate the tercentenary of the birth of Piranesi in 2020 but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPW presents the international exhibition For the Love of the Master, 25 artists fascinated by Piranesi to celebrate the legacy of this versatile Roman artist in the 21st century. This exhibition will be hosted in two locations; the Casino Marino and Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle.

Between his birth near Venice in 1720 and his death in Rome in 1778, Giovanni Battista Piranesi became renowned as an etcher, engraver, designer, architect, archaeologist and theorist. A fascination with Piranesi continues to influence architects, artists and designers long after his death. This exhibition features contemporary art works from 25 modern artists responding to the variety in the work of Piranesi or to his interpretation of the classical world. This presentation will be related to three specific areas within the oeuvre of the Piranesi: architecture fantasies, views of Rome, and vases and candelabras. It will feature existing work and work made specifically for this occasion, including drawings, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery and 3D printing.

James Caufeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, met Piranesi in Rome while he was on his Grand Tour (1746 to 1754). Charlemont greatly admired his work and was the patron for the first book Piranesi published titled Antichita Romane which has four volumes. The first volume will be on display at the Coach House Gallery in Dublin Castle, on loan from the Armagh Robinson Library.