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Giovanni Battista PiranesiAncient Roman Medici Marble Vase: An 18th Century Etching by Piranesi1778
1778
About the Item
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.
This kind of vase is known as a Medici vase, which were initially produced in Athens in the first century AD for the Roman market. Piranesi personally restored many of these architectural objects and sold them to 18th century collectors, many of whom were tourists coming to Italy during the years of the Grand Tour who would bring them back to their home countries. Piranesi began collecting, restoring and selling ancient architectural objects in the 1760's in partnership with Thomas Jenkins and Gavin Hamilton, who had financed numerous excavations in the Pantanello area of Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. In 1768 Piranesi began creating etchings depicting these objects. The plates were eventually published together as a set in 1778 in "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne ed Ornamenti Antichi". Piranesi dedicated many of the plates to patrons, colleagues, good customers and influential people. Many of the antiquities shown in Vasi were eventually sold to King Gustav III of Sweden by Piranesi's son, Francesco Piranesi, after his father’s death, and now reside in the National Museum in Stockholm.
Piranesi was born in Venice in 1720 and died in Rome in 1778. He was the son of a stone mason and was trained as an architect. After a slow start he eventually achieved great success as an architect, archaeologist, artist, designer, collector, and antiquities dealer. His mission was to glorify the architecture of ancient Rome through his engravings and etchings. His highly dramatized prints often depict imaginary interiors and frequently include figures in mysterious activities, who are dwarfed by the magnitude of their monumental surroundings. Piranesi was knighted by the Pope in 1765 and he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in England in 1757. Piranesi's style greatly influenced the neoclassical art movement of the late 18th century. His dramatic scenes inspired generations of set designers, as well as artists, architects and writers. His prints have continued to increase in value to institutions and collectors.
This etching is held by several museums and institutions, including the British Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Portland Art Museum.
References:
Hind, Arthur M. Giovanni Battista Piranesi : A Critical Study with a List of His Published Works and Detailed Catalogues of the Prisons and the Views of Rome. London: The Cotswold Gallery, 1922. pp. 86 (Diverse Manieri), 87 (Vasi).
Wilton-Ely, John. Giovanni Battista Piranesi: The Complete Etchings. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1994. 2 volumes. Chapter F.II. Volume II. pp. 886-960, numbers 815-887 (Diverse Manieri); pp. 961-62, (Vasi).
- Creator:Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778, Italian)
- Creation Year:1778
- Dimensions:Height: 28.28 in (71.84 cm)Width: 14.63 in (37.17 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:1770-1779
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Alamo, CA
- Reference Number:
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