Piranesi's Famous Bird's-Eye View of the Coliseum

"Veduta dell' Anfiteatro Flavio detto il Colosseo", Piranesi, Giovanni Battista

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 magnificent bird's-eye view of the Coliseum shows a large cross atop an architectural base in the center of the ruins with numerous visitors scattered throughout. Legends in bottom corners identify twelve significant architectural features. Piranesi's imprint is at bottom right. This is the fourth state.

References: Hind (Giovanni Battista Piranesi) #126-IV.

Condition: A

A dark impression on heavy paper with marginal soiling. There are remnants of non-archival tape along edges of sheet on verso, far from printed area.