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

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Venice – Rome 1778), *The Gothic Arch*, from: *Carceri d'Invenzione*. Etching, engraving, sulfur tint on laid paper. (c. 1749). 41.2 x 54.2 cm (plate); 52.8 x 76.1 cm (sheet). Focillon 37; Hind 14 I (of III); Wilton-Ely 39, Robison 40 I (of VI); Ficacci 123. Plate XIV from: *Carceri d'Invenzione*. A superb, well-inked lifetime impression with strong contrasts and no sign of wear, representing Robison’s first state (of six), prior to the addition of heavy vertical shading to the right of the foreground flight of stairs and prior to the beam with the hanging lantern. From the First Edition, First and Second Issues, published in Rome circa 1749–58. With wide margins. – With the characteristic flattened central fold. With a few unobtrusive tears at the edges, none extending into the image. Otherwise in good condition. Extremely rare in this early state. Taxation: subject to regular taxation (VAT: Regular Taxation).