So lately, I’ve had
art on the brain (which you can probably tell from some of my recent posts). I’ve
spent hours drooling over modern and classic works in a few of my local
museums. I’ve also pulled most of my art
books off the shelves and have them scattered around the house from frequent perusing.
Yesterday, I ran
across some of Piranesi’s (1720-1778) awe inspiring architectural etchings. His work is so detailed you can get lost in it
for hours. I got so inspired I’m now on the hunt for an affordable print of his
work for my office.
I thought I might
share some ways to use Piranesi's and other artists and architect’s architectural drawings
in your own home so you can enjoy them often.
Architectural prints can depict a wide array of subjects
from churches to villas, public and private buildings as well as architectural
details such as columns and friezes.
Architectural drawings date back hundreds of years and span continents
as well as stylistic eras. Collecting antique architectural prints can be
expensive but there are later prints and copies that make it possible to
decorate with these prints on any budget.
Piranesi Etching
Giovanni Battista Piranesi,
an Italian artist, created beautiful drawings of Roman ruins throughout Italy.
His works are the pinnacle of architectural prints and are highly sought after.
Because they are so desirable, many later copies and modern reproductions can
be found both framed and unframed.
Gordon Strong Automobile Objective and Planetarium by Frank Lloyd Wright
Collecting and decorating with architectural prints should
reflect your own unique taste. If you have an older home or a mid-century
modern home, collect prints depicting similar houses and designs to your own.
Craftsman homes could display the work of Frank Lloyd Wright while modern homes
might have a wall of Bauhaus prints, the beginning of the modern movement in
design and architecture.
University Campus Piranesi
Floor plans of famous buildings are another collectible area
of architectural prints. There are so many areas and options. Frame your prints
in simple mats and gallery frames that coordinate with other wood features in
your room like wood flooring. Or frame them in elaborate gold leaf frames if
you have more traditional style. Both the frame and mat style should reflect
your taste and fit in with the style of décor in the room in which the prints
will hang.
Another way to enjoy architectural prints is through art
books (my personal favorite). Take a look at some of the books I found available
on Amazon.
Piranesi is arguably one of the greatest artists of architecture - of spaces both real and imagined. From the Veduti di Roma to the Carceri this is a collection of the work of the most famous copper engraver of the 18th century.
"The sketch is a window into
the architects mind. As creative designers, architects are interested in how
other architects, particularly successful ones, think through the use of
drawings to approach their work. Historically designers have sought inspiration
for their own work through an insight into the minds and workings of people
they often regard as geniuses."
No comments:
Post a Comment