Description
Giovanni Battista Piranesi's Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi...
These fine engraving are from the work entitled Vasi, candelabri, cippi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi disegnati ed incisi dal Cav. Gio. Batt. Piranesi (Vases, candelabras, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ornaments designed and etched by Cav. Gio. Batt. Piranesi) by G. B. Piranesi published in c1778. Piranesi is known as one of the most famous architectual artists of all times. Born in Venice and later settled in Rome, the young Piranesi first aspired to be an architect. After having little luck in his studied field, he turned instead to the art of architecture. Piranesi felt a duty to preserve the ruins of Rome, "When I first saw the remains of the ancient buildings of Rome lying as they do in cultivated fields or gardens and wasting away under the ravages of time, or being destroyed by greedy owners, I determined to preserve them forever by means of my engravings." Drawing upon his knowledge of architecture along with this love of Roman ruins he created thousands of engravings and etchings featuring buildings, statues, and ornaments. This sense of duty, along with his unparalleled artistic talent led him to create many well-known, historically important works. Vasi...was one of his later works, which his son Francesco Piranesi continued after his father's death.