Vaso Antico di Marmo Adornato di Finissimi Intagli ed Arabeschi

  • About the work
    Location
    Country: Italy
    City: Rome
    Place: British Embassy
  • About the artist
    Giovanni Battista Piranesi was born in Mogliano Veneto, near Treviso. He studied architecture under his uncle, Matteo Lucchesi. His most original works are etchings of extravagant, imaginary prisons, published as ‘Carceri d’Invenzione’ (1749/50). However, he is better known for views of ancient and modern Rome, published from 1745 onwards as ‘Vedute’, and for pro-Roman, anti-Greek writings, based on archaeological resources. Piranesi’s work greatly influenced 18th-century architecture and representations of the Decline and Fall of Rome. In 1757 he was made a member of the Society of Antiquaries in London. In 1771, Horace Walpole wrote: ‘Piranesi ...conceived visions of Rome beyond what it boasted even in the meridian of its splendour.’
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    Materials & Techniques
    etching
  • Details
    Title
    Vaso Antico di Marmo Adornato di Finissimi Intagli ed Arabeschi
    Date
    1778
    Dimensions
    height: 36.7cm, width: 26.7cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased 1983
    Inscription
    Vaso antico di marmo adornato di finissimi intagli ed arabeschi. Si vede in Inghilterra presso il Signor Egidio Earle Cavalier Inglese amatore delle belle arti. Al Signor Watkin William Wynne Cavalier Inglese amatore delle belle arti. In atto d'Ossequio il Cavaliere Gio.Batta Piranesi DDD.
    Provenance
    Purchased by John Cornforth
    GAC number
    15906