448 - Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice – Rome 1778), *The Sawhorse*, from: *Carceri d'Invenzione*.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice – Rome 1778), *The Sawhorse*, from: *Carceri d'Invenzione*. Etching, engraving, and sulfur tint on laid paper, with a Fleur-de-Lys watermark in a single circle (Robinson 5). (c. 1749). 41.3 x 55.1 cm (plate); 55.1 x 76.2 cm (sheet). Focillon 35; Hind 12 I (of III); Wilton-Ely 76; Robison 38 II (of VI); Ficacci 121. Plate XII from: *Carceri d'Invenzione*. A fine, strong lifetime impression of Robison’s rare second state (of six), before the addition of the spikes on the round-topped pillar in the lower right corner and before the spikes on the sawhorse. With slight ink dabbing already visible on the sawhorse, as is characteristic of the second state. From the First Edition, First through Third Issue, published by G. Bouchard, Rome, 1749–60. With wide margins. – With binding holes along the left edge and the characteristic flattened central fold; slight handling creases along the edges. Verso with minor spotting. Otherwise in very good condition. Very rare in this early state. Taxation: regelbesteuert (VAT: Regular Taxation).