Frontispiece

1748

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Artist, Venetian, 1720 - 1778
This is a drawing of an elaborately decorated title page. The drawing features an ornate border surrounding a block of Italian text. The title page is dedicated to Giovanni Bottari and mentions Giambattista Piranesi. The border includes classical elements such as floral patterns, architectural details, and an emblem with a profile that resembles a cameo. Additionally, there is a pair of sculptural hands grasping onto a leafy garland at the right. The artistry of the detailed frame draws attention to the central text, emphasizing its significance.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 30 artworks

Antichita Romane de Tempi Della Republica

Giovanni Battista Piranesi
1748
This is a drawing of an ornate decorative document. The drawing features a central block of text, meticulously handwritten in a calligraphic style. Surrounding the text are elaborate decorative elements, including floral motifs and swirling waves at the top. To the left, there is an oval cartouche containing a portrait of a face in profile framed with foliage. On the right, there are bundles of sticks depicted. The overall composition is balanced and harmonious, showcasing intricate detailing and a sense of classical artistry reminiscent of 18th-century European documents.

Dedication

Giovanni Battista Piranesi
1748
This is a drawing of an ornate text panel with decorative elements. The artwork features a central panel filled with Latin inscriptions. Surrounding the text is an elaborate border of intricate designs, including swirling foliage. To the sides of the panel, there are images of a laurel wreath and an architectural column. The detailed illustrations and the careful arrangement of text convey a sense of historical significance and artistic elegance.

Text Plate

Giovanni Battista Piranesi
1748

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Sotheby's London, 21 March 1972, lots 142 and 142, included in a two-volume bound copy of Le Magnificenze di Roma); (Herman Shickman Gallery, New York); (sale, Sotheby's New York, 1 November 2001, the volumes broken up and sold as individual sets, this lot 135); (Harris Schrank, New York); purchased 2002 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1918

  • Focillon, Henri. Giovanni-Battista Piranesi; essai de catalogue raisonne de son oeuvre. Paris: Librairie Renouard, Henri Laurens, 1918.

Wikidata ID

Q76341350

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