Piranesi, Giovanni Battista

Le Antichità Romane ... divisa in quattro tomi. Rome: Stamperia Salomoni, 1784



4 volumes, folio (20 5/8 x 15 3/8 in.; 524 x 390 mm.). 251 plates consisting of 218 numbered double-page, full-page (some of these actually two plates) or half-page plates (these placed two on a page but only numbered as one) including 3 engraved titles and 2 engraved contents leaves and the engraved dedication leaf to Gustavus III included in that count, plus the unnumbered relief portrait of Piranesi as frontispiece to vol. 1, two double-page plans between plates 43 & 44 in vol. 1, 2 engraved historiated intials and head-piece in vol. 1; dampstain in upper half of dedication text page f. +1 and small tear in center fold of map on plate 38 in vol. 1, light foxing at outer edges of some plates, repaired tear in lower left margin in plate 10 and plate 19 lightly browned in vol. 2, plate 50 browned in vol. 3, marginal tear mended in plate 6, left margin of plate 7 renewed and dampstain in gutter margin of plates 54-57 in vol. 4. Contemporary diced calf, triple fillet borders, dentelles, blue silk placeholders, in two half-morocco drop boxes with title labels on upper covers; rebacked with original spines laid down, lower cover of vol. 4 detached, pastedowns in vol. 1 renewed.

Henry Goodricke, 6^th Baronet of Ribstan, Yorkshire (1765-1802, engraved armorial bookplate)

Hind, pp. 83-84

A beautiful, fresh and complete copy of these evocative views of the ancient ruins, catacombs and epigraphy of the city of rome

Piranesi’s reputation was confirmed by the 1756 publication of the Antichità. While depicting archaeological monuments and sites, sepulchres, ancient bridges, and baths, it differs from previous work by its concern with the construction techniques of antiquity. His training as an architect cast light on the archaeological discoveries, and his personal sense of the grandeur and melancholy of the ruins gives dramatic impact to the images.

This second edition includes the portrait of Piranesi by Francesco Piranesi in place of the Polanzani portrait, and a dedication plate to Gustavus III of Sweden replacing the former dedication "to posterity."