Piranesi Vase antique print, by Henry Moses c1844.

by Moses, Henry

Ram's head handled Vase by Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Moses considered that of all antiquities, Vases have provided the most admiration because of their variety, elegance of form, unusual designs, and beauty of the compositions that adorn them - with illustrations of life and beliefs in the period represented.

With later hand-colour, this is a fine original copperplate-engraving c1811 by Henry Moses, printed for A collection of Antique Vases, Altars, Paterea, Tripods, Candelabra and Sarcophagi, from various Museums and Collections. Henry Moses selected "the most esteemed monuments of ancient times, as would tend to improve the judgement, and refine the taste of the Student.." (of antiquities).

In 1745 artist-etcher-engraver-stonemason, Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), established a workshop on the Corso in Rome, where he restored and sold antiquities. Having had classical architectural training from the finest teachers, his ability as both artisan and etcher were unsurpassed. In 1757 Piranesi was elected an honorary Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries in London, and in 1766 he was awarded the Order of the Spur by Pope Clement XIII.

To intaglio impression measures 14 x 10cm (5.5 x 4 inches).