Vignola. Exquisitely-carved Corinthian capital and base. Antique print, c1764

by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola

Acanthus leaves and birds carved on Corinthian capital..

Finely detailed original copperplate engraving published in Italy circa 1764 for Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture  according to M. Iacomo Barozzi da Vignola (1507-1573). First published in Italy in 1562, Vignola's Rules set down his practical system for constructing columns in the style of five classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and Composite). Vignola based his work on that of 1st century BC engineer and architect, Vetruvius, and utilized proportions that Vignola derived from his own measurements of Roman monuments. Barozzi's influential work was published in a number of languages for over 300 years.

Hand-colour, added since publication, certainly adds to the appeal of this half-framed engraving.
Size of engraving 16 x 13cm (6.5 x 5 inches). This exquisite engraving is mounted between antique-white ragmat conservation boards, and covered with cellophane for protection until framed. External measurement for frame window is 27 x 22cm (10 5/8 x 9 3/4 inches).