Portfolio of 41 copperplate engravings, of which 4 double-sided; bound
Title: Choix Des Meilleures Statues Antiques
Italy/France, 1780-92
Engraver: Francesco Piranesi (1756/58-1810) – Italian architect and copperplate engraver
After drawings from Ludovico Corazzari, Lorenzo Roccheggiani, Pietro Angeletti, Tommaso Piroli, Bernardino Nocchi, Girolamo Carattoni, Andrea Rossi, B. Gagnerau and others
Original marbled boards, presumably 18th century
Dimensions of the Elephant folio volume: 61 x 48 x 3 cm (height x width x depth)
Good condition
Provenance: With pasted ex-libris ‘L. V. GESTA TOLOSAE’ on front pastedown; numbered by hand ‘259’

This portfolio of copperplate engravings was designed towards the end of the 18th century by the famous engraver Francesco Piranesi, the son of the even more famous Giovanni Battista Piranesi (known for his vistas of dramatic and enchanting Roman ruins). The collection comprises the most famous and revered classical sculptures of antiquity presented with much concern to Piranesi’s neo-classical approach. Printed material like this served to illustrate, spread and develop Neo-Classical ideas and trends, making Neo-Classicalism a truly international style.

Condition:
The complete engravings appear in rich colors on firm laid paper and are in good overall condition. The sheets are slightly browned along the edges, with faint stains. The boards and the leather spine are slightly rubbed and shows minor scuffs and losses of material. The book block is firm and stable. The dimensions of the folio binding are 61 x 48 x 3 cm.

Francesco Piranesi (1756/58-1810)
Born in Rome, Francesco Piranesi grew up as the son of the famous engraver, archaeologist and architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778). He shared his father's enthusiasm for antiquity and also created numerous etchings and engravings of important classical buildings and works of art. In 1785, Piranesi created the first commercially available plan of Pompeii. From 1798 he was active in France. (cbo) 

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