Ancient Roman Medici Marble Vase: An 18th Century Etching by Piranesi, 1778

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This large 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is entitled "Vaso antico di Marmo adornato di eccellenti Sculture si … Read more This large 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is entitled "Vaso antico di Marmo adornato di eccellenti Sculture si nella parte anteriere che nell' opposta, le quail rappresentano Fauni e Baccanti" (Marble vase with a frieze of fauns), was published in Rome in 1778, as plate 41 from Piranesi's monumental work "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne ed Ornamenti Antichi" (Studies of Vases, Candelabra, Funerary Monuments, Sarcophagi, Tripods, Lamps and Ancient Ornaments). It depicts an ancient Roman marble cinary vase and pedestal from Hadrian's Villa in Rome. The inscription at the bottom of the etching reads: "Al Signor Thomasso Moore Slade Cavaliere Inglese Seguace, ed Amatore delle Belle Arti", which roughly translates: To Mr. Thomasso Moore Slade English Knight, Follower, and Lover of Fine Arts. Piranesi was knighted by the Pope in 1765 and he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in England in 1757.
The etching is printed on heavy laid, chain-linked paper. There is a central horizontal fold, as issued and small holes at the upper edge where the print was bound. There are a few tiny spots, but the print is otherwise in excellent condition. See less