Fabricius (Ponte Cestio) Bridge : Framed 18th C. Piranesi Architectural Etching, 1756-1757

Description

This framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is entitled "Dimostransi nella Tav. presente la Pianta, ed Elevazione del … more This framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi is entitled "Dimostransi nella Tav. presente la Pianta, ed Elevazione del Ponte, oggi detto Quattro Capi egli è antichissimo, e chiamavasi Fabrizio da L. Fabrizio Presid. delle Strade, che lo fabbrico' nel fine della Repubblica. "(The Plan and Elevation of the Bridge, today called Quattro Capi. The architect is very ancient, and was called Fabrizio da L. Fabrizio Presid. delle Strade, who built it at the end of the Republic). This is plate 18 in volume 4 of Piranesi's "Le antichita romane opera di Giambatista Piranesi architetto veneziano" (Roman antiquities by Giambatista Piranesi Venetian architect). It was published in Rome in 1756-1757.

This etching depicts the plan and elevation of the bridge now called the Ponte dei Quattoro Capi or Ponte Cestio (Bridge of the Four Heads), which in antiquity was called the Bridge of Fabricius after L. Fabricius, the Superintendant of the Streets who built it at the end of the Republic, around 62 BC. It was also been known in the Middle Ages as ‘Ponte Giudeo’ (Bridge of the Jews). The bridge crossed from the left bank or northeast side of the Tiber River to Tiber Island. The left side of the image is occupied by the riverside structures of the former Ghetto. The focal point of the composition is the Pons Fabricius with its central pier with three men standing on top. Another bridge and multiple important architectural landmarks are seen in the background, which are labelled with numerous and letters and identified in the inscription below.

This Piranesi etching is held by many museums and institutions, including: The Metropolitan Museum Art in New York and The Riksmuseum in Amsterdam..

This etching is presented in a black wood frame and a white mat. The frame measures 25.63" high, 30.5" wide and 0.63" deep. There is a central fold, as issued. There is mild waviness of the upper edge on the right and small faint spots. The etching is otherwise in very good condition. less