Giovanni Battista Piranesi, The Giant Wheel, Mid-18th Century, Etching

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Etching and burin on paper on laid paper. Image dimension: 54.748.5 cm. Ninth plate from "Le Carceri d'Invenzione" (imaginary Prisons). … Read more Etching and burin on paper on laid paper. Image dimension: 54.748.5 cm. Ninth plate from "Le Carceri d'Invenzione" (imaginary Prisons). Excellent impression in the second state of eight, after the signature appeared on the plate at the bottom let, but before the long, curved diagonal scratch within the central cloud of white smoke was burnished out. Plate from the first edition (first or second issue, ca. 1749/1758). Apparently without watermark. Impression with margins, backed with japan paper. Some old repairs. Traces of a horizontal centeral crease and another along the left platemark, caused bu the margins having been folded inwards. Ref. Focillon 32, Hind 9, Ribinson 35. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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