440 - Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice - Rome 1778), Invenzioni Capric di Carceri, Title Plate, from: Carceri d'Invenzione.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice - Rome 1778), Invenzioni Capric di Carceri, Title Plate, from: Carceri d'Invenzione. Etching with engraving and sulphur tint or open-bite, watermark Fleur-de-Lys within a single circle (Robinson 5). (c. 1749). 54.3 x 41.4 cm (Plate); 60 x 46.1 cm (sheet). Focillon 24; Hind 1 I (of IV); Wilton-Ely 26; Robison 29 I (of XI); Ficacci 110. Plate I, the title plate, from Carceri d’Invenzione, with the inscription ‘Invenzioni capric di Carceri all’acqua forte datte in luce da Giovani Bouchard in Roma mercante al Corso‘. A very fine impression of the first state (of nine), printed with a light, selectively wiped tone and with wide margins. The first edition of the Carceri comprised fourteen plates, including the title plate, and remained in print from 1749 until 1760, when Piranesi extensively reworked the plates and added two further compositions for the second edition. Robison distinguishes three issues of the first edition. The present, very rare first state impression belongs to the Second Issue, after the correction of the publisher’s name from ‘Buzard‘ to ‘Bouchard‘. This issue was printed from 1750 to circa 1758, before the addition of ink dabbing on the projecting beam and ropes. – With the characteristic flattened central fold. A small tear at the left edge and a backed tear at the right edge, neither extending into the image. A tiny paper loss at the upper edge. Pinholes in the upper corners. Otherwise in very good condition. Taxation: regelbesteuert (VAT: Regular Taxation).