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, sulfur 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, May 27, 1991. Plate IV from: *Carceri d’Invenzione*. A very fine, black, early-in-his-career impression of Robison’s first state (of six), printed with a light plate tone. From the First Edition, First through 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 the center; 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 on the plate. With wide margins around the partially uncleaned plate edges. – With the characteristic flattened central fold and some associated rubbing. The reverse is slightly spotted, with isolated soiling in the margins. There is a crease in the upper right corner and a closed tear in the left margin. The reverse has old mounting strips along the right edge. Otherwise in good condition. Rarely encountered in this early state. Taxation: subject to regular taxation (VAT: Regular Taxation).