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Piranesi Etching of Ancient Roman Architectural Objects, "A sua Eccellenza"

Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Offered by: Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books

Description
"A sua Eccellenza il Signor Henry Hope Cav. Scozzese Amatore delle Belle Arti from "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, Ed Ornamenti Antichi", (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ancient ornaments) is an etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published in 1778. It depicts stone caryatids (a caryoyid is defined as a stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a pillar to support the entablature of a Greek or Greek-style building) as part of a Roman architectural structure in the Strozzi vineyard on the Via Appia outside the Porta S. Sebastiano. The print is dedicated to Mr. Henry Hope, who was a Scottish artist.

The etching is presented in an ornamental gold colored wood frame and cream colored mat with a gold fillet. There are short creases in the upper corner and a few small faint spots. The print is otherwise in very good condition. The frame measures 31.25" x 40" x 1".

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.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Styles / Movements:	Other
Incollect Reference #:	571086

Dimensions

W.	40 in;	H.	31.25 in;	D.	1 in;
W.	101.6 cm;	H.	79.38 cm;	D.	2.54 cm;

Message from Seller:

Timeless Intaglio is an online gallery of rare and collectable antiquarian prints, maps and books. Although we specialize in all forms of vintage printed works on paper, the majority were created with the intaglio method of transferring ink from a plate, usually copper, to paper with a technique utilizing pressure generated by a press. Email us directly: rbreiman@timelessintaglio.com