Warwick Vase on Pedestal. Hoc Pristinae artis Romanaeq - Magnifgicantiae Monumentua Ruderibus Villae Tiburtinae Hadriano ... A Sua Eccellenza il Sig. Cav. Hamilton.
Rome: Piranesi, 1778. Stunning print by the famed Italian artist Piranesi, one of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century, depicting the mammoth 10-foot Warwick Vase, created in the second century, which was uncovered from the bottom of Lake Tivoli, near Hadrian's Villa in 1770.
Piranesi (1720 -1778) was also an architect with a knowledge of ancient building techniques, a skill which enabled him, as he became a master print maker, to create great works incorporating his architectural understanding, including his series of architectural prints of Rome ('Antichita Romane'). This work enabled his election to the London Society of Antiquarians.
Piranesi's etchings of ancient buildings and artifacts in and around Rome earned him a good income. They also surpassed earlier works on these subjects due to his skill with lighting, composition and dramatic presentation of the subject.
The Warwick vase is "universally avow'd to be the first vase in the world." (Hamilton, letter 2 Jan. 1776). Wilton-Ely 889: "Large vase found at the Pantanello, Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, in 1770 (The "Warwick Vase"). Front view with pedestal. Dedicated 'A Sua Exxellenza il Sig. Cav. Hamilton Ministro Plenipotenziario della M'ta. Di Giorgio III. Re. della Gran Brettagna presso alla M'ta di Ferdinando IV RE delle due Sicilie…' Signature, lower left."
The print has no fold marks; it is likely one of the first issues which were issued separately. Later, it was published in Piranesi's "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi...", 1778.
28 x 18 3/4" platemark, with ample borders, on thick wove paper. Handsome archival framing. A stunning work by an artist who devoted his life to depicting the outstanding works of Roman antiquity. Very good condition. Item #12179
Price: $2,000.00