Giovanni Battista Piranesi

(Mogliano 1720-1778 Rome)
"Alcune Vedute di Archi Trionfali, ed altri monumenti inalzati da Romani parte si veggono in Roma, e parte per l'Italia / Disegnate ed incisi dal Cavalier Gio. Battista Piranesi", the early work with views of Rome and Italy in an expanded edition supplemented by an etching of Francesco Piranesi (Tempio di Minerva Medica), title copper, three explanation plates, 28 etchings with views, including the Colosseum, the forum of Nerva and many other antiquities. Leather binding of the time with gilded embossing and inscription, 32 x 21 cm, with fold-out plates, Rome c. 1780, on heavy laid paper, with watermark “Lily in a double circle and the letter B”. (Sch)
Exceptionally fine and rich prints preserved in a perfect, fresh and unpressed condition with the most delicate plate tone. - The personal copy of King Gustav III of Sweden (1746-1792), with his bookplate (Ex Libris), probably presented to him personally by Piranesi's son Francesco on the occasion of his visit to Rome in 1783, after the king had supported the work of his father and son in various ways. - Unique in this form.