can you spot the differences?
2003.11.17 20:22
Each of the six circuses delineated within the Ichnographia (large plan) were completely changed in design configuration to the perfected configuration that is found in the real Circus of Maxentius (306-312 AD). Piranesi's own circus designs (.e., with the openings) in the first state are very stylized versions of a circus plan.
Piranesi spent a lot of time surveying and measuring Roman ruins, and perhaps he himself measured the Circus of Maxentius, found the refinement of its plan (apparently the Circus of Maxentius is the most refined arena layout for chariot racing), and thought to change his circus designs after some versions of the Ichnographia were already published (--but here I'm only making a possible guess).
All the long U-shaped plans in both renditions of the large plan are circuses--one circus along the mid to upper left edge is cut out and not shown in its entirety.
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