Beschreibung:

PIRANESI, Giovanni Battista (1720-1778) - Antichità d'Albano e di Castel Gandolfo [CON:] - Descrizione e disegno dell'Emissario del Lago Albano [CON:] - Di due spelonche ornate dagli antichi alla Riva de Lago Albano. Rome: [1762-1764]. A good copy of these three famous works by Piranesi with a total of 51 fine engraved plates (including titles) of which 4 are large and folding and 25 double page. The Antichità d'Albano was the result of Piranesi's archaeological studies in the area around Lake Albano, where he was encouraged and supported by its dedicatee Pope Clement XIII, whose castle (Castel Gandolfo) overlooked the lake. Clement XIII helped to support the considerable costs of this "particularly beautiful treatise " (Wilton-Ely, p.694). 3 works in one volume, folio (554 x 415mm). First work with half-title, double-page dedication plate to Pope Clement XIII, engraved title page and plates numbered 1-26 (and one numbered XXVII by hand) of which 12 double-page and one folding; second work with engraved title and plates numbered 1-9 of which 7 double page and one folding; third work with plates numbered 1-12 of which 5 double page and one folding; large engraved headpieces and elaborate engraved initials (small waterstaining to lower edge that causes some light tears, a few other small marginal tears repaired, some foxing and very occasional browning mainly in the margins, but sometimes heavier, plates on guards as usual). Contemporary vellum, dark morocco spine label (light staining and minimal wear, slightly bowed).