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Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Giovanni Piranesi Etching of Ancient Roman Architecture, 18th Century

1756

About the Item

"Veduta del Sepolcro della Famiglia Plauzia per la Strada Che Conduce da Roma a Tivoli vicino a Ponte Lugano" from "Le Antichità Romane" (Roman Antiquities), one of the most famous works by Piranesi. "Antichita" illustrates the tombs along the Appian Way and similar areas outside the city. These plates are among Piranesi's most romantic views, dramatically depicting crumbling masonry from low viewpoints with strong light affects and a sense of mystery to the tiny figures of tourists, peasants and goats. The print combines etching, engraving and drypoint techniques. It is signed in the plate in the lower right "Piranesi Archit. dis. et inc.". It is presented in a black wood frame with a tan mat. There is a central vertical fold, as issued. The print is in very good condition but there are a few small frame abrasions. Piranesi was born in Venice in 1720 and died in Rome in 1778. He was the son of a stone mason and was trained as an architect. After a slow start he eventually achieved great success as an architect, archaeologist, artist, designer, collector, and antiquities dealer. His mission was to glorify the architecture of ancient Rome through his engravings and etchings. His highly dramatized prints often depict imaginary interiors and frequently include figures in mysterious activities, who are dwarfed by the magnitude of their monumental surroundings. Piranesi's studies of the antiquities of Rome was one of the great archaeological, historical and artistic works of its era. His style greatly influenced the neoclassical art movement of the late 18th century. His dramatic scenes inspired generations of set designers, as well as artists, architects, writers and historians. In 1757 Piranesi was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His prints have continued to increase in value to institutions and collectors.

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1820s Old Masters Figurative Prints

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Fabricius (Ponte Cestio) Bridge : Framed 18th C. Piranesi Architectural Etching
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This framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is entitled "Dimostransi nella Tav. presente la Pianta, ed Elevazione del Ponte, oggi detto Quattro Capi egli è antichissimo, e chiamavasi Fabrizio da L. Fabrizio Presid. delle Strade, che lo fabbrico' nel fine della Repubblica. "(The Plan and Elevation of the Bridge, today called Quattro Capi. The architect is very ancient, and was called Fabrizio da L. Fabrizio Presid. delle Strade, who built it at the end of the Republic). This is plate 18 in volume 4 of Piranesi's "Le antichita romane opera di Giambatista Piranesi architetto veneziano" (Roman antiquities by Giambatista Piranesi Venetian architect). It was published in Rome in 1756-1757. This etching depicts the plan and elevation of the bridge now called the Ponte dei Quattoro Capi or Ponte Cestio (Bridge of the Four Heads), which in antiquity was called the Bridge of Fabricius after L. Fabricius, the Superintendant of the Streets who built it at the end of the Republic, around 62 BC. It was also been known in the Middle Ages as ‘Ponte Giudeo’ (Bridge of the Jews). The bridge crossed from the left bank or northeast side of the Tiber River to Tiber Island...
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