Piranesi, Giovanni B.
The Sawhorse - Carceri Plate XII
- Published: Rome
- Published date: 1761
- Type: Print
- Technique: Etching
- Issue date: 1761-75
- Category: Carceri d'invenzione (Imaginary Prisons)
- Size: 41 x 55,5 cm (16.25 x 21,75 inches).
- Bibliography: Hind 12 State: 2 of 3
- Stock number: 38052
- Condition: In very good condition, strong impression with contrast and depth. Wide margins, old folds in the margins still visible outside the image.
Article description
Original etching, published after 1761 in the 2nd edition of the Piranesi's series,Carceri'. Plate: XII An arched chamber with lower arches sumounted by posts and chains. Strong light entering from the right hand. The "Carceri d'invenzione" or "Imaginary Prisons", is a series of 16 prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi depicting enormous subterranean vaults with staircases and powerful machines. This series was published in 1761, all etchings were numbered I to XVI. Here is the following state II of III present: Roman numbered XII in the upper right corner. Additional shading and work darkening the plate throughout. The erection of beams (in shape of vaulting horse) in lower right foreground which before had a flat top, is now covered with five spikes; spikes are also added on the post in lower right corner. A beautifully rendered imaginary scene in very good impression with contrast and depth. Printed on Roman laid paper, no visible watermark. Published as usual folded, with a centre-fold. Upper right corner engraved Roman number: VIII, below in the lower left corner:Piranesi f.
Hind 12 State: 2 of 3
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