The artwork, titled “Ancient marble urn vase with dogs and an owl flying buttresses, ribbed,” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi between circa 1770 and 1778. It belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the design genre.
This meticulously detailed piece illustrates an ancient urn made of marble, featuring ribbed texture along its body. The urn’s handles are ornately designed in the form of dogs climbing the sides, adding a dynamic element to the piece. At the top, an owl is depicted, symbolizing wisdom and vigilance, perched amidst what appears to be flying buttresses. The base of the artwork includes a dedication to Harriot Walter S. by the artist, showcasing Piranesi’s reverence for his patrons and emphasizing the classical elegance typical of neoclassical design.
