Catalog Archive
Auction 158, Lot 363

Scarce Plan of Rome

"La Topografia di Roma", Nolli, Giovanni Battista

Subject: Rome, Italy

Period: 1773 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
26.2 x 18 inches
66.5 x 45.7 cm
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This scarce and finely engraved plan of "modern" Rome is a later edition of a plan engraved by Giovanni Batista Nolli with decorative elements engraved by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. This edition, published by the little known engraver Ignazio Benedetti, is printed in a light sepia ink, which makes the image appear paler than with standard black ink. Below the plan are images of important buildings and monuments in Rome, including St.Peter's Square, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Fountain Trevi. The entire plan appears to be engraved on a scroll held aloft by two putti, with two smaller scrolls listing sites throughout Rome.

References:

Condition: A

Sturdy paper with "D&C Blauw" watermark. There is moderate soiling in the blank margins and professional repairs to several short tears and chips also confined to the blank margins. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $850 - $1,000

Sold for: $600

Closed on 6/22/2016

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