2 parts in 1 vol. in-folio oblong (33,8 x 45,5 cm), Etched throughout: 2 titles, dedication leaf, 2 other preliminary leaves, 25 plates (this is 30 plates together). plates numbered 13 and 14 after Silvestre. (some marginal dampstaining in the introduction and on first leaf) Contemporary vellum binding (reddish-brown stain on the back cover)
A fine copy with wide margins of Piranesi's etchings of the antiquities of Rome and of monuments outside Rome, preceding his similarly named magnum opus. Piranesi's archaeological interests are evident not only in the historical accuracy of the views, but in the 2 plates recording inscriptions on monuments which precede the views. Ref. Hind p.75. Hind: ""... amongst his purest etchings in their early state before rework... From the purely artistic side there is scarcely anything more attractive in Piranesi's work than this early series."" Wilton-Ely adds: ""These exquisite plates, based on sketches made during Piranesi's travels in Italy, c.1743-47, ... may be considered among the artist's graphic masterpieces. They possess a unity and range of experiment lacking in the Varie Vedute and even in the early plates of the larger Vedute di Roma, which probably overlap this series in time."" The first part deals with ruins within Rome and the second with ruins outside the city Provenance: bookplate of C. Van Hulthem
