Rare Pair of Rome Prospects Engravings Signed Both Giuseppe Vasi and Piranesi

Giuseppe Vasi (1710-1782) was an Italian engraver and architect, best known for his illustrated 'Vedute Roma Antica' (views of ancient Rome), published from 1746 to 1761. Among his pupils was Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Piranesi worked together with him on the Vedute and some are signed both by Vasi and Piranesi. The two disagreed on the movement during their time to denigrate the work of Baroque architects, such as Bernini and Borromini. Vasi favored the more modern architectural approach approach and Piranesi favored the more classical architecture. They often had extreme disagreements and reportedly Piranesi threatened to kill his teacher.

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 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 and writers. His prints have continued to increase in value to institutions and collectors.