This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
PIRANESI, Giovanni Battista (1720–1778). Frontispiece, with Statue of Minerva. Circa 1748. Engraved etching, 508 x 686 mm, two tiny wormholes to image, centerfold as issued, linen backed. Third state with address and price at lower margin. From Piranesi’s monumental work “Vedute di Roma” which overshadowed competitor’s views of Roman landmarks through compelling compositions, strong lighting contrasts, and dramatic presentation, that shaped European conceptions of present-day Rome. This influenced European thought to such an extent that Grand Tourists, who had come to know Rome through Piranesi’s prints, were recorded as being disappointed on their first encounter with the real thing (Thompson, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778). Hind 2.III.