A Flight of steps with figures seen through a ruined arch

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. The drawing shows an aging, broad arch, through which can be seen another arch, a wall to the right and a flight of steps beside this on the left. There are two figures standing at the top of the steps and three in the foreground. A plant growing from the top of the arch in the foreground falls down in the centre of the composition. Text in the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 16 GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI (b. 1720; d. 1778) A FLIGHT OF STEPS WITH FIGURES SEEN THROUGH A RUINED ARCH British Museum, 1908-6-16-17. From the Collection of Dr. John Gott, Bishop if Truro. Pen and bistre and indian ink wash. 17.5 x 23.5 cm. (6 7/8 x 9 1/4 in.). There is tranquil atmosphere in this drawing more reminiscent of the spirit of a Richard Wilson or a Hubert Robert than of the exuberant draughtsmanship of Piranesi, but there seems no reason to doubt the traditional attribution. A. M. H."