18th Century Etching of Ancient Roman Architectural Objects by Giovanni Piranesi
A. Tigna Protensa Super Media Epistylia, B. Praecisiones Tigorum Quaqua Versus Extrinsectus Apparentium, C. Opae Extremitates Tigorum Contintes, Fig. I, plate 88 from "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, Ed Ornamenti Antichi", (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ancient ornaments). This work by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published in 1778, depicts a column, a frieze and other architectural elements.
Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778, Italian)
Creation Year: 1778
Dimensions: Height: 29.63 in (75.27 cm)
Width: 36.63 in (93.05 cm)
Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
Medium: Etching
Condition: See description below.
A. Tigna Protensa Super Media Epistylia, B. Praecisiones Tigorum Quaqua Versus Extrinsectus Apparentium, C. Opae Extremitates Tigorum Contintes, Fig. I, plate 88 from "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, Ed Ornamenti Antichi", (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ancient ornaments). This work by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published in 1778, depicts a column, a frieze and other architectural elements.
Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778, Italian)
Creation Year: 1778
Dimensions: Height: 29.63 in (75.27 cm)
Width: 36.63 in (93.05 cm)
Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
Medium: Etching
Condition: See description below.
A. Tigna Protensa Super Media Epistylia, B. Praecisiones Tigorum Quaqua Versus Extrinsectus Apparentium, C. Opae Extremitates Tigorum Contintes, Fig. I, plate 88 from "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, Ed Ornamenti Antichi", (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ancient ornaments). This work by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, published in 1778, depicts a column, a frieze and other architectural elements.
Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778, Italian)
Creation Year: 1778
Dimensions: Height: 29.63 in (75.27 cm)
Width: 36.63 in (93.05 cm)
Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
Medium: Etching
Condition: See description below.
The print is presented in an antiqued silver-color wood frame and an off-white and white French mat. The print is in excellent condition.
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 studies of the antiquities of Rome was one of the great archaeological, historical and artistic works of its era. His 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, writers and historians. In 1757 Piranesi was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His prints have continued to increase in value to institutions and collectors.
