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Giovanni Battista Piranesi "Le Antichità Romane Vol. IV Pl. XLII" Engraving 1756-1757
Provenance Custom Framed by J. Pocker & Son, NYC
Frame Approx. 34 1/4" Wide x 26 1/4" High.
Engraving Image Approx. 24" Wide x 16" High (60.9 cm x 40.6 cm) — Full Grand Folio impression.
For sale is a museum-caliber, grand folio 18th-century architectural copperplate etching and engraving on paper by the legendary Italian master printmaker and architect, Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This rare plate represents a flawless intersection of classical archaeology, masterful artistry, and impeccable, documented 20th-century American provenance.
This print is Plate XLII (42) from Volume IV of Piranesi’s foundational four-volume archaeological masterwork, Le Antichità Romane, originally published in Rome between 1756 and 1757.
Top Left Margin: Inscribed "Tom. IV" designating the volume.
Top Right Margin: Inscribed "XLII" designating the plate number.
Bottom Right Plate Corner: Signed in the copperplate: "Piranesi Archit. dis. inc." (Piranesi Architect, drew and engraved it), guaranteeing its authentic studio lineage.
The right side of the plate features Piranesi's signature vertical measurement column, recording precise classical proportions in ancient Roman modules.
This piece is housed in a spectacular, classic gold-leaf style wood frame and custom double French mat. The framing was executed by J. Pocker & Son, one of New York City’s most prestigious historic custom framers (established 1926). Known for museum-quality conservation, the archival backing and professional matting have kept this antique print in excellent condition, shielding it from typical environmental wear.
From the Private Estate of David J. Bikoff, M.D., P.A., of New Jersey.
Excellent antique condition, displaying strong, crisp impression lines and superb tonal contrast between the rich ink and paper. The paper exhibits a beautiful, uniform aged tone consistent with 18th-century handmade rag paper. The custom gold-fillet wood frame and multi-tiered matting show minimal vintage wear, remain structurally sound, and are ready for immediate gallery exhibition or high-end residential display.
