Death
In Venice
Inspired by Thomas Mann's classic novella, John Piper's Death In Venice (1973) print portfolio explores Mann's narrative and the haunting allure of Venice through a series of ten evocative screen prints. With a blend of darkness and beauty, Piper delves into the city's mysterious atmosphere and reflects on mortality and desire.
John Piper Death In Venice For sale
Death In Venice Value (5 Years)
John Piper's Death In Venice series has historically shown more modest results compared with the artist’s wider oeuvre, with auction prices ranging from £460 to £1900. Average annual growth has remained modest at -3.77%, with certain works seeing declines in value. Over 20 total auction appearances, average selling prices have held steady around £1119. This series appeals to collectors seeking accessible entry points into John Piper’s print market.
Death In Venice Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Death In Venice, Side Left Panel John Piper Signed Print | 7 Jul 2022 | Chiswick Auctions | £383 | £450 | £650 |
 Death in Venice V John Piper Signed Print | 22 Sept 2021 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £1,020 | £1,200 | £1,550 |
 Death In Venice, Side Right Panel John Piper Signed Print | 10 Oct 2018 | Lyon & Turnbull Edinburgh | £383 | £450 | £600 |
 Death In Venice VII John Piper Signed Print | 2 Dec 2010 | Bonhams Bury St Edmunds | £1,063 | £1,250 | £1,500 |
 Death In Venice II John Piper Signed Print | 22 Sept 2010 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £1,275 | £1,500 | £1,800 |
 Death In Venice VIII John Piper Signed Print | 22 Sept 2010 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £850 | £1,000 | £1,200 |
 Death In Venice IV John Piper Signed Print | 22 Sept 2010 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £1,445 | £1,700 | £2,050 |
 Death In Venice III John Piper Signed Print | 12 Nov 2007 | Bonhams New Bond Street | £1,275 | £1,500 | £1,800 |
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Meaning & Analysis
Death In Venice is a 1973 portfolio of ten original screen prints by John Piper. It takes inspiration from Thomas Mann's famous novella of the same name, reflecting the sombre and melancholic atmosphere of the literary work through a series of prints that explore the themes of decay, isolation, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
The book, Death In Venice by Thomas Mann follows the protagonist, Gustav von Aschenbach, as he becomes obsessed with a young boy named Tadzio during his stay in Venice. Aschenbach's infatuation leads to his physical and emotional deterioration, ultimately resulting in his death in the city he had come to adore. Suitably, Piper's prints in this portfolio are characterised by their muted colour palette and abstract, fragmented forms. The use of earth tones and subtle greys creates a sense of desolation and decay, mirroring the decaying Venice portrayed in Mann's novella. The fragmented forms, often resembling crumbling architecture and eroded landscapes, convey a sense of disintegration and impermanence.
The prints in Death In Venice exteriorise the isolation and introspection of the main character, Gustav von Aschenbach, through the bleak quality of their scenery. Suggestive of Aschenbach's gradual degeneration is his increasing attraction to the city's beauty, which Piper portrays bleakly, through compositions featuring large empty spaces, suggesting a sense of solitude and introspection. This emptiness also serves to emphasize the transitory nature of beauty and the fleetingness of human existence.
As ever, Piper's mastery of printmaking enhances the ambience of his portfolio; his choice of print medium adds depth and texture to the portfolio. He employs etching and aquatint to create rich tonal variations and intricate details, further enhancing the evocative nature of the prints. The textured surfaces, combined with the subdued colour palette, evoke a sense of age and weathering, reinforcing the themes of decay and transience.
Death In Venice is a poignant print portfolio in which John Piper skilfully captures the essence of Thomas Mann's novella. Through his evocative prints, Piper invites the viewer to contemplate the fragility of life, the inevitable decay of beauty, and the existential questions that arise in the face of mortality. The portfolio serves as a visual meditation on the themes of the original work, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of human existence and the power of art to evoke deep emotions.
