This is one of Piranesi's most famous views of St. Peter's Basilica. It is a superbly rendered bird’s-eye view of the Basilica and the enormous piazza and colonnades that stretch out before it. A legend at bottom identifies the Papal Palace, the galleries containing the paintings of Raphael, the city walls of Rome, the passage between the Vatican and Castel S. Angelo, and the Palace of the Holy Inquisition. Piranesi's imprint is at bottom right. Piranesi was one of the most influential artists in the development of the neoclassical style of the late 18th century. His Views of Rome (Vedute di Roma) is his most celebrated work. Following Piranesi’s death in 1778, his heirs continued to publish his works, first from Rome and then from Paris, reissuing his etchings until 1839. This is the third state, published in Paris by Firmin-Didot.

References: Hind (Giovanni Battista Piranesi) #120-III.

Condition: A+

A fine impression with wide original margins.