Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, also Giambattista Piranese, 1720-1778), "al Signore Pietro Traille Cavliere, e Capitano …" - copper plate engraving, published in Rome, ca. 1770 CE. A beautiful composition depicting a group of three nude women supporting a columnar support in the palace of the Villa Borghese Pinciana (the Villa Borghese on the Pincian Hill) designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio. Size: plate mark measures 15.25" L x 10.25" W (38.7 cm x 26 cm); sheet measures 23.375" L x 14.25" W (59.4 cm x 36.2 cm) Born in Venice on the 4th October 1720, the son of a stonemason and master builder, Piranesi would become a pioneer of the Neoclassical movement in the late 18th century. Piranesi trained as an architect under his uncle Matto Lucchesi and Carlo Zucchi, and in 1740, left Venice for Rome where he studied etching with Giuseppe Vasi. While he had limited success winning architectural commissions, his training and passion for classical architecture served him well. Engravings and etchings provided Piranesi with a healthy livelihood, allowing him to turn one of his favorite pastimes, drawing Roman architecture, into a lucrative source of income. By 1747, Piranesi had begun the work for which he is best known, the Vedute di Roma (Views of Rome) and created plates for the series until his death in 1778. He created thousands of works that recorded the Roman monuments as well as those of the Renaissance which were impressive for not only their documentary value but also their immense artistry. Provenance: private Lucille Lucas collection, Crested Butte, Colorado, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #136427