F. PIRANESI (*1758) after PIROLI (*1752), Decorated helmet of a gladiator, Pompeii, 1805, Etching

Francesco Piranesi (1758 Rom - 1810 Paris) after Tommaso Piroli (1752 Rom - 1824 ibid.): Decorated helmet of a gladiator, Pompeii Bronze ceremonial helmet with figurative decoration, 1805, Etching

Technique: Etching on Paper

Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Dessiné par T. Piroli / Gravé par F. Piranesi L'an 1805". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Casque en bronze dont on faisait usage dans les Spectacles, trouvé dans les fouilles de Pompeia".

Date: 1805

Description: The print shows a carefully detailed copperplate engraving of a bronze helmet with allegorical depictions and scenes from ancient mythology. It epitomises both artistic skill and historical symbolism.

Source: Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720 Mogliano Veneto-1778 Venice) Antiquités de Pompeïa, 1804/1835 | print suite, Mythology, Architecture

Keywords: Thracian; fighting games; arena; gladiator; copper engraving; helmet; allegory; mythology; artistry; symbolism; historical; graphic; detail work; scene; antiquity; illustration, 19th century, Classicism, Military, Italy, Pompeii (Campanian),

Size: Paper: 65,0 cm x 92,0 cm (25,6 x 36,2 in), Plate: 53,9 cm x 65,2 cm (21,2 x 25,7 in), Depiction: 49,0 cm x 61,3 cm (19,3 x 24,1 in)

65 x 92 cm
Condition Report: Defective condition. There is a full-page vertical crease in the centre. Large liquid stains along the left, top and right edges. Slight rubbing visible in places.