Live Auction 2545500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe Including Oriental Carpets
GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESE (1720-1778)
Lot 379 THE PROPERTY OF A WESTCHESTER COLLECTION

GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESE (1720-1778)

Closed19 April 2012

Price Realised

USD 27,500

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GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESE (1720-1778)
Front view of the Column of Marcus Aurelius, from 'Trofeo o sia Magnifica Colonna Coclide'
etching,
S. 125 x 32¾ in. (317 x 83.2 cm.)
with the accompanying etching of the View of the Front of Trajan's Column from the same series
S. 114 x 32¾ in. (289.5 x 83.2 cm.) (2)

Specialist note

Between 1774 and 1779 G.-B. Piranesi worked on a series of engravings recording the three principle monumental Roman columns built to commemorate the emperors Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus), Marcus Aurelius, and Antoninus and Faustina in Rome. Originally situated in the center of Trajan's Forum, a sizeable complex of buildings designed by the architect Apollodoro, Trajan's column was completed in AD 113 to commemorate the emperor's triumph against the Dacians in two military campaigns he led in AD 101-102. Measuring almost 100 feet tall, it is covered by spiral bas-relief sculptures depicting the two victories and ending with a statue of the emperor at the top. After his death in 117AD, Trajan's ashes were laid to rest inside the column's pedestal.