Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 611

Piranesi's View of the Fountain of Moses

"Veduta del Castello dell' Acqua Felice", Piranesi, Giovanni Battista

Subject: Rome, Italy

Period: 1807 (circa)

Publication: Vedute di Roma

Color: Black & White

Size:
27 x 15.9 inches
68.6 x 40.4 cm
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Giovanni Battista Piranesi was an Italian artist and engraver who is famous for creating a series of views of Rome, and was one of the most influential artists in the development of the neoclassical style of the late 18th century. Following Piranesi’s death in 1778, his heirs continued to publish his works, first from Rome and then from Paris, reissuing his etchings until 1839. This impressive view is centered on the Fontana dell' Acqua Felice, which marks the terminus of the Acqua Felice. The structure is also known as the Fountain of Moses due to the large statue at the center. The Acqua Felice is a Roman aqueduct, completed in 1586 by Pope Sixtus V, whose birth name was Felice Peretti, and runs 15 miles from its source in the channel of Aqua Alexandrina. Piranesi's imprint is at bottom right.

References: Hind (Giovanni Battista Piranesi) #20.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on hand-laid paper with a small chip at left that just enters neatline. The sheet edges have been reinforced with Japanese tissue to repair several small chips and tears. Trimmed close to neatlines on all sides, but there is still room for framing.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500

Unsold

Closed on 9/4/2013

Archived