Conceived to commemorate the tercentenary of the birth of Piranesi in 2020, the Office of Public Works (OPW) finally presents ‘For the Love of the Master’, an international exhibition featuring work by 25 artists. The selected work celebrates the legacy of this versatile Roman artist in the 21st century.
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. He continues to influence architects, artists and designers. The 25 artists from 11 countries were selected to pay homage to Piranesi’s drawings, engravings and reassembled antiquities in a variety of media.
James Caulfeild, first Earl of Charlemont (1728–1799), met Piranesi during his Grand Tour travels in Italy. However, the friendly relationship between patron and artist was short-lived. Their falling-out over the earl’s withdrawn patronage became a public scandal. Nonetheless, Charlemont’s fascination with Piranesi and the artist’s influence on the rise of Neoclassicism remained and eventually led to the building of the Casino at Marino, which today ranks as one of the most beautiful neoclassical architectural gems of Europe.
‘For the Love of the Master’ viewings
The Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle:
- open to the public: 18 June to 18 September, 2022
- open daily, 10am to 5pm
- admission free
The Casino at Marino:
- open to the public: 19 June to 18 September, 2022
- open daily, 10am to 4pm
- admission free