Veduta del Mausoleo d'Elio Adriano (ora chiamato Castello S. Angelo)
Print, copperplate etching on paper • Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778)
Style & Movement
Neoclassicism / Vedutismo (Venetian and Roman view painting/printmaking tradition)
Medium & Technique
Etching and engraving with fine line work, cross-hatching to create tonal depth and atmospheric perspective.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 18th century (Original plate created c. 1756; this appears to be a Roman edition)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated plate size: 44 x 55 cm (17 x 21.5 inches); overall frame size approximately 65 x 80 cm.
Subject Description
A dramatic view of the Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum) in Rome. The composition features the monumental circular structure with alphabetical keys at the bottom corresponding to labels within the image, identifying architectural features. The foreground includes small figures and ruins, emphasizing the sublime scale of the classical architecture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paper appears stabilized under a modern mat, though some peripheral browning or light foxing may be present behind the glazing.
Estimated Market Value
US $1,500 - $3,500 (Depending on the specific edition state and paper cleanliness)
Auction Estimate
US $1,200 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely part of a series (Vedute di Roma). Visible inscriptions indicate the artist and location; no specific collection stamps are visible through the frame, suggesting a private acquisition in the 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Piranesi is the most important printmaker of the 18th century. His Vedute series defined the European perception of Rome, influencing the Grand Tour and Neoclassical architecture through his dramatic scale and romanticized interpretation of ruins.
Notable Features
Includes a comprehensive descriptive legend (keyed text) at the bottom. Features the characteristic 'Piranesian' sky and sharp, contrast-heavy etching style that differentiates his work from contemporary copyists.
Condition Issues
Possible minor foxing and light toning consistent with age. Evidence of a vertical center fold (common in original folio editions) may be present but is well-repressed by framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glazing and acid-free archival mounting. Avoid display in high humidity or direct sunlight to prevent further oxidation of the paper.