Piranesi Vase antique print, engraved by Henry Moses. c1844

$75.00

Ram's head handled Vase by Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Moses considered that of all antiquities, Vases have provided the most admiration because of their variety, elegance of form, unusual designs, and beauty of the compositions that adorn them – with illustrations of life and beliefs in the period represented.

With later hand-colour, this fine original copperplate-engraving by Henry Moses for A collection of Antique Vases, Altars, Paterea, Tripods, Candelabra and Sarcophagi, from various Museums and Collections was published in London in 1844. Henry Moses selected "the most esteemed monuments of ancient times, as would tend to improve the judgement, and refine the taste of the Student.." (of antiquities).

In 1745 artist-etcher-engraver-stonemason, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), established a workshop on the Corso in Rome, where he restored and sold antiquities. Having had classical architectural training from the finest teachers, his ability as both artisan and etcher were unsurpassed. In 1757 Piranesi was elected an honorary Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries in London, and in 1766 he was awarded the Order of the Spur by Pope Clement XIII.

Plate size: 14 x 10cm (5.5 x 4 inches). Page size 240 x 175mm (9.5 x 7 inches).