(Column of Trajan, Roman Forum). Veduti di Roma (Views of Rome). Rome, 1758. $1,150.00

“Colonna Trajana “

An original 18^th century engraving of a Roman triumph, this monument stands at the center of the Roman Forum in Rome, and was built to commemorate Emperor Trajan's two successful campaigns against the Dacians in AD 101 – 2 and 105 – 6. The marble column is thought to have been designed and constructed under the supervision of the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, and illustrates the two campaigns in the designs. The spiraling low relief frieze winds round the column from the bottom to the top for over 650 feet, and illustrates 155 scenes and more than 2500 individual figures and animals.

This engraving was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1772). The son of a Venetian stone mason, Piranesi was trained as an architect who was attracted to the beauty of the classical ruins in Rome. In 1740 he moved to the city and studied with some of the finest print makers. The remarkably high quality of his work brought him to the attention of prominent wealthy English visitors to Rome and he became the most renowned artist/engraver of 18th century Europe. This magnificent large etching was included in Views of Rome, a work heralded for the artist's brilliant use of etched line to capture decorative details and to manipulate light and shadow to communicate the monumentality of his subjects. His etchings greatly influenced Robert Adams and subsequent generations of architects and designers interested in the classical style. They continue to be prized for their beauty as records of historically significant architecture. 

Copperplate engraving on laid paper, archivally framed.
Sharp and clean impression, margins trimmed.
23.5 x 18.5 inches sheet, 25.5 x 20 inches outside frame dimensions.
Excellent condition.