The artwork

Engraved view of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Vasi's views of ancient and modern Rome show a personification of Rome in a series of ten books in 3 volumes. Engraved by Vasi, with a descriptive text providing historical and documentary information for each view, written by Vasi and by Giuseppe Bianchini in Book I. Published between 1747 and 1761, it comprises 200 plates, 30 interior views and 3 plans in Book I and two plans in Book X. Plate 77 marked 78 in Vol. 2, Book 4. Plate 177 marked 178 in Vol. 3, Book 9. Plate 177 marked 178 in Vol. 3, Book 9. The collection lacks one text leaf - pages XXIX and XXX of Vol. 3, Book 10. The books are organised by theme, each devoted to a particular architectural aspect of Rome: 1. Gates and walls; 2. Squares, obelisks, columns &c.; 3. Ancient basilicas and churches; 4. Palaces and streets; 5. Bridges and buildings on the Tiber; 6. Parish churches; 7. Convents and houses of the clergy; 8. Convents for women; 9. Colleges, hospitals and charitable foundations; 10. Villas and gardens. Engraved views showing cities, landmarks, buildings, plants, shrubs, figures, carriages and animals. The ten title-page vignettes are all unsigned. Each book has a dedication by Vasi, a preface and an index. The publishers were: Stamperia del Chracas; Stamperia di Apollo; Niccolo and Marco Pagliarini and Eredi Barbiellini. Vasi's Roman views became popular outside Italy in the second half of the 18th century. In the inscription, Vasi describes himself as 'painter, engraver, architect and Arcadian shepherd', that is, a member of the Accademia degli Arcadi. The Accademia was a literary and social circle made up not only of authors and poets, but also of members of the professional classes, clergymen and aristocrats interested in literature and modern science.

WHY BUY IT

• Magnificent, true-to-life colours
• Adds elegance to any room
• Perfect as a prestigious gift

FEATURES

FEATURES

Print on handmade Amalfi paper with frame
Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in)
With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in);
Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges, handmade beech wood frame