Piranesi, Giovanni B. [Ornamental tripod and two vases].

Giovanni B. Piranesi. [Ornamental tripod and two vases].  From Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi. 

Rome: 1778-80.  24 ¼ x 16 ¾.  Engraving.  Laid paper.   Very good condition.  W-E pg.1038. 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-78) is renowned for his splendid views of ancient and modern Rome.  In a life time dedicated to recording these magnificent buildings and mysterious ruins, he created a prodigious oeuvre of dramatic and moving images.  The large scale Vedute di Roma is one of the best known and most extensive series, and the one that established Piranesi’s reputation.  Much of his earlier work, namely the Grotteschi and the Carceri,  was more fantastic in subject matter.  His series on decorative items were designed to accompany his larger views of principal sites, and they are equally monumental.  As such, they became very sought after souvenirs for tourists in Rome, especially the British.  Giovanni worked on the Vasi series from 1768 to 1778, and his son Francesco, who had engraved most of the plates in the series, completed the final eight plates between 1779 and 1786.

Other prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi and son Francesco:

Altar of Bacchus

Architectural details

Cinerary urns (2)

Marble Candelabrum

Marble trireme on pedestal

Pompeiian Shop Interior

Portico of the Pantheon

Temple of Vesta (side view)

Temple of Vesta ornamentation

Temple of Vesta (prospect)

Theater of Herculaneum

Trophies of Octavian (helmet & 3 shields)

Trophies of Octavian (cuirass, shield & spear)

Villa of Maecenas