Mid 18th Century Etching “Veduta Della Gran Curia Innocenziana” by Giovanni Battista

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This exceptional mid-18th century etching by Giovanni Battista (Giambattista) Piranesi (b. s titled “Veduta della Gran Curia Innocenziana” (“View of … Read more This exceptional mid-18th century etching by Giovanni Battista (Giambattista) Piranesi (b. s titled “Veduta della Gran Curia Innocenziana” (“View of the Palazzo di Montecitorio”). It is from Piranesi’s Vedute di Roma series, the artist’s historically important series of 135 etchings documenting views of ancient and then-contemporary Rome, published from 1745 onward. This is Plate 39 from the series. From the Hind reference on Piranesi’s work, this is Hind 23, State 1 of 4. It was published in 1752. It is on thick laid paper and bears the watermark of a fleur de lys in a double circle. It is titled, described, and annotated in Italian at the bottom. The etching depicts what is now the Chamber of Deputies. This wonderful engraving displays Piranesi’s highly skilled artistry and thorough knowledge of archeology and architecture. His minutely detailed renditions of urban Italian edifices and environs were hugely influential on the classical revival in European architecture, while the wide variety of citizens with whom he chose to populate such settings continue to serve as insightful snapshots of 18th century Roman life. This particular etching is on a thick laid paper with the watermark of a fleur de lys in a double circle. It is laid down to cardboard and attached to its mat. It measures 15”x24.25” the image, 18.25”x27” the sheet and 24”x32” framed. The print is in very good condition. The centerfold that is present in al of the Vedute di Roma prints is barely visible on the top of the print. Because this is state 1, the image is crisp. The mat is discolored and should be replaced or overmatted. The thin wood frame is in good condition with a few nicks. I will ship in the frame, with new Plexiglas. Piranesi’s etchings and engravings can be found in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the de Young/Legion of Honor, and many other notable art institutions and libraries worldwide See less