New Beginnings
Lot 42:
Description
This pair of architectural prints consists of hand-colored etchings with engraving on paper, depicting detailed studies and drawings of Corinthian capitals and entablatures with decorative friezes. Each print features visible plate marks and is inscribed in the plate with plate numbers Tab. XXXVI and Tab. XXXVIII at the top left. The bottom margins of both prints bear the inscription Piranesi Archit. Dis. at the left, and M. Barbault sculps. or F. Barbault sc. at the right, identifying the designer as Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, 1720–1778) and the engraver as Jean Barbault (French, 1718–1762). These plates likely originate from a mid-18th-century architectural series such as Le Antichità Romane. The impressions show good detail with fine line work, utilizing fluid etched lines for the primary forms and precise engraved details for the ornamentation. The pair is professionally housed in matching ornate giltwood frames with double matting consisting of a dark forest green outer mat and a marbled paper inner mat. The reverse of each frame retains a gallery label from Eagle Fine Art.
Each etching measures 28 X 36 X 1 in.
Condition report:
The paper exhibits overall light toning consistent with age. No major foxing, tears, or plate wear is immediately apparent through the glazing. The frames show minor surface wear and small losses to the gilding consistent with age and handling.
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