Antique Copper Engraving of Hadrian's Mausoleum/ Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome by the Piranesi
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was famous archeologist, architect, antiquarian, artist and founder of what became an extremely well-known family workshop in Rome. As the head of his family (and with two of his children: Francesco and Laura), he ran a spectacular print workshop in Rome that focused on the promotion of the ruins and the classical architecture and design of Antiquity. Their engravings were made for both 18th c. aristocratic visitors who came to Italy to learn about Antiquity as part of "The Grand Tour" as well as for Italians interested in their own heritage. This particular engraving identifies itself in Italian as: "VEDUTA del Ponte, e del Mausoleo, fabbricati da Elio Adriano Imp.re" [VIEW of the Bridge and Mausoleum built by the ancient Roman Emperor Hadrian (d. 138 CE). The map key to the scene offers many details about life along the Tiber Riber and includes detailed 19th c. information ranging from letters A to V (e.g. Speroni; Pile quadrate; Murelli di Mattioni; Arena; Arco; Cloaca Antica, etc.). The print is engraved as having been executed by “Piranesi Archit. dis. et inc.” [Architect Piranesi and followers].
25" x 16" print dimensions; framed 29" x 20"

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