Press Room:
Arkansas Arts Center Showcases "“Piranesi: Master Etcher of Rome"

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com
March 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arkansas Arts Center Showcases "“Piranesi: Master Etcher of Rome"

Twelve works by Italian printmaker Giovanni Battista Piranesi will be on view. Piranesi changed the way people thought of Rome—both the ancient city and the city of his own day. During his career he drew hundreds of archaeological reconstructions, views of 18th-century architecture and fantastic reinterpretations of the ancient past. His etchings of the real and the fictitious seem both accurate and dramatic. Through such images he brought ancient Rome to life and preserved the Rome of the 18th century.

Arkansas Arts Center Executive Director Nan Plummer said, “As the recent death of Pope John Paul II has made us all aware, Rome is a fascinating city with a rich past. Even 250 years ago, visitors to Rome marveled at its great monuments and ancient traditions. Piranesi’s etchings were up-scale souvenirs for those travelers. They also give us a view of the Rome of his imagination, fueled by the new science of archaeology and his dreams of being an architect.”

This exhibition of Piranesi’s masterful views highlights the recent gifts of Dr. and Mrs. James Guthrie. Admission is free. For additional information call 501-372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact: 501-372-4000, 501-396-0308
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday and Major Holidays
Sponsors: Regions Bank: Cromwell Architects Engineers; Kerry and David Russell; Sunbelt Mechanical, Inc.