GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI (Mogliano Veneto 1720 – 1778 Rome) The Sawhorse, 1749. From the series: Carceri d’invenzione. Etching. Engraved signature below the left corner: Piranesi F.; engraved numbering upper right: XII. 41 x 55.3 cm (sheet size: 49.5 x 65.7 cm). Framed. Hind 12 II (of III). – Outstanding deep black, strong and clear impression with broad margins. The vertical slightly flattened central fold with backed tears on the upper and lower margins. The margins with slightly stronger discolouration, wear and individual closed tears and small holes. Verso with slightly stronger browning in parts. The picture, however, predominantly in very fine condition.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.