Original Piranesi Etching from "Views of Rome" (1757)
Giovanni Battista Piranesi’s series of 135 etchings, Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome), was created from the 1740s until his death in 1778. The Italian draftsman, architect, and artist combined his architectural training with artistic skill to produce highly detailed renderings of Rome’s monuments. His innovative prints revolutionized the depiction of cityscapes and ancient ruins, using dramatic scale, intricate detail, and striking contrasts to heighten architectural grandeur while capturing lifelike human and animal figures with remarkable precision.
Veduta degli avanzi del Tablino della Casa Aurea di Nerone, detti volgarmente il Tempio della Pace (View of the Remains of the Dining Room of the Golden House of Nero, Commonly Called the Temple of Peace) reflects Piranesi’s intent to appeal to travelers and tourist through images of the antiquities of Rome. This etching centers on a section of the Domus Aurea, a vast palace complex built by Emperor Nero around 64-66 A.D., an archaeological site that continues to attract visitors today.
Copies of this etching are held in the collections of the Yale University Art Gallery, the de Young Museum, the Portland Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other major institutions. A rare chance to own a significant etching by this master. Item #1945.
Condition: Very Good- for its age, etching is adhered along the top .25" to a heavy paper stock backing, which could be professionally removed; etching has a .125" hole with .25" area of charring in middle of title along bottom edge; moderate soft creasing along top; 1.5" closed tear at top right corner; two .25" closed tears at top left corner; foxing to back of etching from backing board (not visible on the front of print); some light edgewear.
Price: $1,500.00