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Monumental Antiquity: Giovanni Battista Piranesi Engraving of a Candelabrum

$1,850
£1,382.87
€1,615.60
CA$2,602.46
A$2,633.89
CHF 1,510.20
MX$31,945.84
NOK 17,563.04
SEK 17,877.48
DKK 12,077.21

About the Item

Monumental Antiquity: Giovanni Battista Piranesi Engraving of a Candelabrum Circa 1768 (Published 1778) This striking, large-scale engraving is a masterful work by the legendary Italian artist and architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778). The print features a monumental, highly ornate classical candelabrum heavily carved with tiered acanthus leaves. It rests upon a substantial pedestal base featuring detailed reliefs of classical figures. The print exhibits the horizontal center fold line typical of authentic, large-scale folio pages from Piranesi's celebrated publications, likely his famous Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi... (published in 1778). The engraving is elegantly presented in a wide, crisp white mat and housed in a clean, modern black frame that perfectly contrasts the deep, dramatic shadows of Piranesi's etching style. Measurements (Framed): Height: 35 1/2 inches (90.2 cm) Width: 29 inches (73.7 cm) Depth: 1 3/4 inches (4.4 cm) Marks & Historical Context The extensive Italian text at the base of the engraving provides incredible historical provenance for both the print and the original antiquity it depicts: The Dedication: The large script reads: "A SUA ECCELLENZA Monsig.r D. GIOVAMBATISTA REZZONICO..." dedicating the work to Monsignor Giovambatista Rezzonico, the nephew and majordomo of Pope Clement XIII, and the Grand Prior in Rome of the Knights of Malta. The Original Artifact: The text block fascinatingly notes that the original marble antiquities depicted in the print ("i due candelabri") were owned by Thomas Jenkins ("Sig. Tommaso Jenkins Pittore Inglese"). Jenkins was a highly influential English painter, banker, and dealer of antiquities living in Rome during the 18th century, making this print a wonderful intersection of British and Italian art history. The Signature: The piece is signed in the plate at the bottom right: "In segno d'umilissimo ossequio il Cavalier G.B. Piranesi..." (As a sign of humblest respect, Cavalier G.B. Piranesi). Looking at the inscription, it refers to Monsignor Giovambatista Rezzonico as the nephew of Pope Clement XIII. Clement XIII died in 1769, and Rezzonico was elevated to Cardinal in 1770. Because the text still calls him "Monsignor" and mentions the Pope as if he is currently reigning, art historians date the actual etching of this specific copper plate to between 1763 and 1769 (most commonly cited as circa 1768). (The Publication Date) While Piranesi etched the plate earlier, it was officially published as part of his massive, highly celebrated two-volume folio titled Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi. This complete folio was published in Rome in 1778, the same year Piranesi passed away. (Ref: NY10862-nirx)
  • Creator:
    Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Width: 29 in (73.66 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper
  • Place of Origin:
    Italy
  • Period:
    Late 18th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1768 (Published 1778)
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Downingtown, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: NY10862-nirx1stDibs: LU861049423372

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