Elevation and plan of the second-order portico at the Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello), Rome, from the series 'Le Antichità Romane' 1756 - Antique 18th Century Etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, Mogliano Veneto 1720–1778 Rome) | Ink on Laid Paper | Piranesi spent his first few years in Rome measuring and sketching ancient architectural sites. The results of Piranesi’s comprehensive research were presented in the four volumes of the Antichità Romane (1756). This production rapidly earned Piranesi an international reputation, as evidenced by his election to the Honorary Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London a year later. Antichità Romane itself set out to provide a sweeping overview of the archaeological information on Ancient Rome Piranesi gathered over the years. Its purpose was the education of contemporary designers and their patrons. Signature: Signed at lower right: 'Piranesi Archit. dis. et scul.' Inscription: Signed at lower right: 'Piranesi Archit. dis. et scul.' Lettered with volume and plate information in upper margin: 'Tom. IV. / XXXV.' Lettered with title in upper margin: 'DIMOSTRAZIONE DI UNA PARTE DE PORTICI / DEL SECOND' ORDINE DEL TEATRO DI MARCELLO.' Within image, indications in 'moduli' and points of interest 'A / B / C,' which are described in lower margin, 'A. Linea indicante la superficie della cornice dorica del prim' ordine ... della circonferenza del Teatro.' Catalogue Raisonné: Wilton-Ely I.558.504; Focillon 371 Approx. Dimensions: Framed: 28" H x 18" W ; Sheet: 20 1/2 x 14 5/8 in. (52 x 37.2 cm); Plate: 15 13/16 x 10 1/8 in. (40.2 x 25.7 cm) Provenance: Ex. John, Earl of Clare. References: Henri Focillon Giovanni-Battista Piranesi essai de catalogue raisonné de son oeuvre. Paris, 1964. John Wilton-Ely Giovanni Battista Piranesi: The Complete Etchings. Alan Wofsy, San Francisco, 1994. Also see MET Essay: Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778)