442 - Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice - Rome 1778), The Grand Piazza, from: Carceri d'Invenzione.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice - Rome 1778), The Grand Piazza, from: Carceri d'Invenzione. Etching, engraving, sulphur tint on laid paper, watermark Fleur-de-Lys within a single circle (probably Robinson 5). (c. 1749). 54.2 x 41.2 cm (plate); 71.3 x 51 cm (sheet). Focillon 27; Hind 4 I (of III); Wilton-Ely 29; Robison 31 I (of VI); Ficacci 113. Provenance: Paul Prouté, Paris, 27 May 1991. Plate IV from: Carceri d’Invenzione. A very fine, black and early lifetime impression of Robison’s first state (of six), printing with light plate tone. From the First Edition, First to Third Issues, published in Rome circa 1749–60. With the foreground still open beneath the foremost arch and before the addition of the large spoked wheel and chains at centre; before the ink dabbing on the upper right half of the foreground wall along the right edge of the image; and before the artist’s signature in the plate. With wide margins around the partially uncleaned plate edges. – With the characteristic flattened central fold and some associated rubbing. Verso slightly spotted, with isolated soiling in the margins. A crease in the upper right corner and a closed tear in the left margin. Verso with old mounting strips at the right edge. Otherwise in good condition. Rarely encountered in this early state. Taxation: regelbesteuert (VAT: Regular Taxation).