Paestum by Piranesi

Just a very short time before il Cavaliere Piranesi died one of the most fascinating discoveries was made not that far south of Naples: The old and dignified Posidonia, They are the largest remains of Greek temples, an impressive sight! A remarkable cultural testimony! The ruins were lost to oblivion when, after heavy earthquakes in the region, the rivers inundated the entire area and malaria spread quickly. Just as quickly the inhabitants moved away, so that, for several centuries Posidonia = Paestum vanished from memory. Piranesi, old and sickly at the time, travelled there with his son Francesco. They were impressed and drew all they saw. Since the father died, the prints of Paestum, altogether 20 plus the title page were published in Rome in the year 1778, shortly after Giovanni Battista Piranesi had died.

We are in the position to offer here 2 of the 20 prints of Paestum., plate Nrs. 1 and 18 from the first edition, Rome, 1778 Paestum prints by Piranesi from the ist edition are RARE!

Vue de ce qui reste encore des Murs de l'ancienne Ville de Pesto, appellée par les Grecs Possidonia..........

Visible vertical centerfold. Small scattered spots, hardly noticeable in image, noticeable in margins.
Photographed against a white background.

Collector's stamp verso.

44.3 x 67 cm ( 17.4 x 26.3 ")

$ 3400.00

Order Nr. PIRANESI3124 SOLD

Vue d'un autre temple dans la Ville de Pesto, que l'on croit
communement ete dedie a Junon........

Vertical centerfold. Small scattered spots, hardly noticeable in image, noticeable in margins.
Photographed against a white background. Vertical centerfold is hardly visible except from backside.

45.5 x 67.5 cm ( 17.9 x 26.5 ")

$ 3400.00

Order Nr. PIRANESI3125

Veduta del Sito, ov'era l'antico Foro Romano

Hind 41 V / VII

On either side of the title are descriptions with numbers corresponding to those in the image. The buildings, Monte Aventino and the piazza are described.

Print is from the First Paris Edition (1800 - 1807) and has very wide margins. Hardly any spots in margins. A few nearly invisible creases in lower margin.

38.5 x 59 cm (15.1 x 23.2 ")

$ 2700.00

Order Nr. PIRANESI3120

Piramide di C. Cestio

Hind 36 I / III (First Roman Edition)

Below the title are numbered descriptions corresponding to numbers in image.

Vertical centerfold. Along the centerfold is a partial parallel fold. Repaired tear on lower margin edge on centerfold.

38.5 x 52.5 cm ( 15.1 x 2.1 ")

$ 2600.00

Order Nr. PIRANESI 3121

Veduta degli avanzi superiori delle Terme di Diocleziano.

Hind 115 II / IV

Printes in the First Paris Edition (1800 - 1807). Ample margins (some minor smudging). A slight crease in sky. Print has a wide view of the area surrounding the Diocletian thermal baths. On both sides of the title are numbered descriptions of the monuments shown in the image.

41.7 x 68.7 cm ( 16.4 x 27 ")

$ 2200.00

Order Nr. PIRANESI3122