De Romanorum Magnificentia et Architectura

Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) created detailed and elaborate etchings illustrating the antiquities of Rome as well as a fictitious and atmospheric series entitled Carceri d'invenzione (Imaginary Prisons). The Smithsonian Libraries is fortunate to own several first-editions of Piranesi’s publications, including his book on fireplaces and mantels entitled Diversi Maniere d'Adornare i Cammini and “vedute” or views of Rome, an example of which is this 1761 folio. De Romanorum Magnificentia et Architectura, with more than 100 full-page etchings illustrating Roman buildings and architectural details and with a portrait frontispiece of Pope Clement XIII engraved by Domenico Cunego, is one of Piranesi’s finest and rarest works. It shows his remarkable skill as both artist and draftsman. This volume also became an important visual resource for architects and designers working in the Neo-Classical style.