Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, Mogliano Veneto 1720–1778 Rome). "Veduta del tempio della Sibilla in Tivoli" - View of the Temple of Cybele in Tivoli. Piranesi Fec(it) meaning Piranesi made this. Published in Rome, 1760-1778. Created during Piranesi's lifetime. From Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome). A passionate admirer of Classical architecture, Piranesi actually considered himself an architect. Indeed his drawings and etchings demonstrate his dramatic penchant for manipulating perspective and architectural elements - resulting in creative imaginings of ancient buildings, prisons, and ruins. Such fantastical compositions made sense coming from the man who once declared, "I need to produce great ideas, and I believe that if I were commissioned to design a new universe, I would be mad enough to undertake it." Size: 17.25" L x 25.375" W (43.8 cm x 64.5 cm)
Born in Venice on the 4th October 1720, the son of a stonemason and master builder, Piranesi would become a pioneer of the Neoclassical movement in the late 18th century as a master printmaker and antiquarian. Piranesi trained as an architect under his uncle Matto Lucchesi and Carlo Zucchi, and in 1740, left Venice for Rome where he studied etching with Giuseppe Vasi. While he had limited success winning architectural commissions, his training and passion for classical architecture served him well. Engravings and etchings provided Piranesi with a healthy livelihood, allowing him to turn one of his favorite pastimes, drawing Roman architecture, into a lucrative source of income. By 1747, Piranesi had begun the work for which he is best known, the Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome) and created plates for the series until his death in 1778. He created thousands of works that recorded the Roman monuments as well as those of the Renaissance which were impressive for not only their documentary value but also their immense artistry.
A first state of this composition hammered at GBP 4,000 ($5261) at Christie's London - Sale 5701 - 6 December 2012 - Lot 83 - https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/giovanni-battista-piranesi-1720-1778-veduta-del-5637664-details.aspx
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#139780
Condition
Engraving has been repaired and backed. Normal toning to paper commensurate with age. Very strong impression.