Etching on laid paper
Rome, 1756
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) – Italian etcher, architect and archaeologist
‘Veduta del Sito, ov’era l’antico Foro Romano (A Corner of the Roman Forum)’
Signed lower right ‘Piranesi Architetto fec.’
Fleur-de-lys watermark in a single circle with letter ‘F’ below
From Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome)
Focillon 801; Wilton-Ely 159; Hind 41, first state of seven; Robison 5.
Full margins, matted
Dimensions, plate: 15 x 23 ¼ in. (38.1 x 59.1 cm.)
Dimensions, sheet: 20 ½ x 29 ¼ in. (52.1 x 74.3 cm.)
Good condition

With a dynamic composition, bold lighting and dramatic presentation, this print from Piranesi’sVedute brings life to the past. This popular series by the artist shaped European conceptions to such an extent that Goethe, who had come to know Rome through Piranesi's prints, was somewhat disappointed on his first encounter with the real thing.

Executed in 1756, this etching on laid paper is signed in the lower right by artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi. The plate measures 15 x 23 ¼ inches, and sheet measures 20 ½ x 29 ¼ inches. The print has full margins and is matted. Hinged to mat, toning around paper edges consistent with age. Otherwise appears in basic good condition.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, 1720-1778)

Known as one of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century, Giovanni Battista Piranesi always considered himself an architect. Born in Venice as the son of a stonemason and master builder, Piranesi studied stage design and perspective construction. In 1740, he traveled to Rome and apprenticed himself to Giuseppe Vasi, the foremost producer of etched views of Rome which often sold to tourists and pilgrims. Piranesi quickly mastered the art of etching and busied himself designing fantastic complexes of buildings that could only exist in dreams. In 1747, the artist began his Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome)series for which he is best known. He continued to produce plates for this series until the year of his death in 1778.