Lot 277C
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, Mogliano Veneto 17201778 Rome). "Veduta Del Piano Superiore del Serraglio delle Fiere Fabbricato da Domiziano a Uso Del' Anfiteatro Flavio E Volgarmente detto la Cura Ostilla" - View of the Upper Story of the Cages for Wild Animals Built by the Emperor Domitian, Associated with the Flavia. From Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome). Published in Rome, 1760-1778. Created during Piranesi's lifetime. "Piranesi Architetto fec." on lower right. Created during Piranesi's lifetime. A passionate admirer of Classical architecture, Piranesi actually considered himself an architect. Indeed his drawings and etchings demonstrate his dramatic penchant for manipulating perspective and architectural elements - resulting in creative imaginings of ancient buildings, prisons, and ruins. Such fantastical compositions made sense coming from the man who once declared, "I need to produce great ideas, and I believe that if I were commissioned to design a new universe, I would be mad enough to undertake it." Size: 16.875" L x 24.5" W (42.9 cm x 62.2 cm)
Born in Venice on the 4th October 1720, the son of a stonemason and master builder, Piranesi would become a pioneer of the Neoclassical movement in the late 18th century as a master printmaker and antiquarian. Piranesi trained as an architect under his uncle Matto Lucchesi and Carlo Zucchi, and in 1740, left Venice for Rome where he studied etching with Giuseppe Vasi. While he had limited success winning architectural commissions, his training and passion for classical architecture served him well. Engravings and etchings provided Piranesi with a healthy livelihood, allowing him to turn one of his favorite pastimes, drawing Roman architecture, into a lucrative source of income. By 1747, Piranesi had begun the work for which he is best known, the Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome) and created plates for the series until his death in 1778. He created thousands of works that recorded the Roman monuments as well as those of the Renaissance which were impressive for not only their documentary value but also their immense artistry.
See comparable example in the Yale University Art Gallery - https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/178296
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#139777
- Condition: A few repairs, more visible on verso. Veros has some remaining adhering paper as if the engraving was removed from a mat. Minute nicks to edges. Paper shows expected darkening commensurate with age.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |