Giovanni Battista Piranesi Libri

Ficacci (curator of the National Institute of Graphic Arts in Rome) presents the complete copperplate etchings of Piranesi, one of the greatest draftsmen of architectural spaces both real and imagined. The works provide exquisitely detailed views of ancient and modern Rome's prisons, churches, bridges, arches, temples, gardens, piazzas, villas, tombs, ornamental letters and architectural details. Each of the 31 sections is introduced by text in English, German, and French. The book contains 1,030 illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Piranesi's name is usually connected with intriguing and mysterious etchings, but Giambattisa Piranesi (1720-1778) was also influential as an architect and decorative arts designer. This book examines his work, theories, and impact on the design of architecture and the decorative arts, and it is written by a widely recognized authority on Piranesi. This book, although short, is an in-depth study of Piranesi and his work in these fields, with discussions of his background and the influences on him, as well as how his designs evolved and became influential throughout Britain and Europe. As only one of Piranesi's architectural designs was ever actually executed, his significance as an architect ultimately rests on his extensive graphic production and his polemical publications, both of which are shown in this book to have been tremendously influential. This volume is copublished with The Pierpont Morgan Library New York, using many of its outstanding collection of Piranesi drawings and etchings.

Exploring various methods of decorating fireplaces and other architectural elements, this work draws inspiration from Egyptian, Etruscan, and Greek architecture. It includes an apologetic reasoning defending both Egyptian and Tuscan architectural styles. The book is presented as a high-quality reprint of the original 1769 edition, preserving its historical significance and insights into classical design principles.