Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778)

While we're on the subject of classical artists, we should mention the brilliance of a man whose work is popular today - even though his name is often unknown.

An architect by profession, Giovanni Battista Piranesi was a graphic artist of technical brilliance and of great expressive range. His amazing stone structures often combined fantasy themes from his Baroque training, with his Roman archaeological discoveries. Piranesi's extensive work in the field of Roman archaeology was acknowledged by his election to the Society of Antiquaries of London.

His absorption with classical antiquity was reflected in Piranesi's imaginative restoration of antiquities he found, their subsequent sale, and also their incorporation into creations for his many British patrons and collectors. He is perhaps most famous for his superb well-defined copperplate illustrations of these works - in particular his Urns - which are still appreciated as contemporary decor. These he engraved and etched for "Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi y Sarcofagi, Tripodi Lucerne ed Ornamenti Antichi” published in Rome between 1773 and 1778. They are available as original Antique Prints at www.antiqueprintclub.com/c-22-classicaldesign and Heritage Editions fine reproduction prints at  www.antiqueprintclub.com/c-46-classicaldesign.

Grand 18th Century Classical Architecturals

Have you ever had a great holiday at the other end of the world, and returned, still marvelling at the wonderful classical style found in the centuries old buildings there? You may not be able to build your own stone chateau or even construct a country mansion like you saw in Europe, but have you considered bringing the style into your own home with the stunning designs from wall decoration you saw? The intricate carving and painting of walls and ceilings by important artisans of earlier centuries, were engraved onto copperplates and published to enable the rest of the world to enjoy them.

Some of the grandest of all wall decor interpreted as antique prints are the "pilaster" frescoes designed by Raphaello di Giovanni Santi d' Urbino (1483-1520) for the pillars of the loggia (arcade) to the Pope's private residence at the Vatican. In the 1770's, two hundred years after Raphael and his assistants painted the walls, doors and ceiling arches at the Vatican, an impressive set of grand copperplate engravings were created. Today these are the finest record of Raphael's decorative genius. Two large plates were engraved for each pilaster by skilled artists and engravers. Each pair of original prints from these plates was joined after printing, for publication. These magnificent engravings are remarkable not only as an important visual record of Raphael's stunning designs, but also for the quality and depth of colour that was done by hand with gouache and watercolour.

So great was the importance placed on the grand images of Raphael's pilasters, that ten years later, pairs of the pilasters were engraved half the size of the first publication. Raphael's designs were transposed this time as exquisite finely detailed copperplate engravings that were published in Paris. Once again, they are appreciated not only for their excellent engraving but also for the brilliance of their hand-colouring.

Wall decoration today is able to be moved from one location to another with comparative ease. Today we are able to enclose the work of art with conservation materials for preservation, and display it within a suitable frame. If you too would like to own your personal piece of  classical antiquity, just visit our gallery at Milton in Brisbane, Australia (Wednesday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm); or visit the Classical Antique Print section in our virtual gallery anytime at http://www.antiqueprintclub.com/