“Aquarius and Libra” by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is a Neoclassical artwork that falls within the genre of sketch and study. It represents a refined example of Piranesi’s illustrative capabilities rooted in the Neoclassical movement, which sought inspiration from the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
The artwork is divided into two panels. On the left side, the figure of Aquarius is depicted, characterized as a muscular male figure pouring water from an urn, which signifies the water-bearer of the zodiac. The figure exhibits a dynamic pose, with his body inclined forward, suggesting fluidity and motion. A swirling drapery encircles his body, adding a sense of grace and continuity to the composition, while he stands upon a cloud, evoking a celestial presence.
The right side presents the figure of Libra, embodying the scales as a symbol of balance and justice. Libra is illustrated as another muscular male figure, this time seated with a focused demeanor, holding the scales with precision. Similar to the depiction of Aquarius, this figure is also enveloped in flowing drapery and positioned on a cloud, enhancing the ethereal quality of the study. Both figures exude classical idealism and exemplify the rigorous anatomy studies characteristic of Neoclassical art.
