19th-century lithographic print of an 18th-century copper plate engraving by the prolific Italian artist and engraver Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778). Features three vases and a pedestal from antiquity. There is an expected visible fold line across the sheet, as this was issued as a double-fold print. There is also a faint folding line on the left side of the engraving (see pictures), but otherwise it is in a very good condition for its age. Framed in dark wood under glass. The central part has the inscription Vaso e Piedestallo Antichi di Marmo che si Vedono nel Museo Dell Autore (Ancient Marble Vase and Pedestal seen in the Dell Author Museum). It was a part of Piranesi's collection Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, ed Ornamenti Antichi, vol. II (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ornaments). The lithographic print of Piranesi's engraving was produced by the 19th-century publishing house Lehmann & Wentsel in Vienna.
Please note that we have a collection of 7 identically framed lithographic prints of Piranesi's works, listed separately. They can be seen together in the last picture.
Measurements:
Dimensions with frame: 28.5" x 22.5" (72 x 57 cm).
Dimensions of engraving inside the frame: 23.5" x 17.5" (60 x 44.5 cm).
Frame's depth: 0.75" (2 cm).
One of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century, Piranesi always considered himself an architect. The son of a stonemason, he received extensive training in structural and hydraulic engineering, perspective construction, and stage design. Upon his arrival in Rome in 1740, he apprenticed briefly under Giuseppe Vasi, a well-known creator of the etched views of Rome. Quickly mastering the medium of etching, Piranesi went on reconstructing the ancient Rome in painstaking detail. Although best known for his architectural works, Piranesi also made significant contributions to the development of the decorative arts. Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi... is among his most important works, inspired by his admiration of antiquities.
